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Cheesy Instant Pot Taco Pasta

This **Cheesy Instant Pot Taco Pasta** is the ultimate **quick, creamy, and flavor-packed meal** that combines the **bold flavors of tacos** with the comforting, cheesy goodness of pasta. With **perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, melted cheese, and a rich, taco-spiced sauce**, this one-pot dish is ready in **under 30 minutes**, making it **perfect for busy weeknights**.
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Equipment

  • - Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
  • - Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • - 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • - 1 small onion diced
  • - 2 cloves garlic minced
  • - 1 10-oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
  • - 1 cup salsa mild, medium, or hot
  • - 1 15-oz can tomato sauce
  • - 2 cups beef broth or water
  • - 1 1-oz packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
  • - 12 oz short pasta rotini, penne, or shells
  • - 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • - 1/2 cup sour cream
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • - Fresh cilantro diced avocado, or sliced jalapeños (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

  • #### **Step 1: Sauté the Beef & Aromatics**
  • Set the **Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode** and add a little oil.
  • Add **ground beef and diced onion**, cooking until beef is browned (**about 5 minutes**). Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in **garlic and taco seasoning**, cooking for **1 minute** until fragrant.
  • #### **Step 2: Add the Liquids & Pasta**
  • Pour in **diced tomatoes, salsa, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, and pepper**. Stir to combine.
  • Add **uncooked pasta**, pressing it down into the liquid (do not stir).
  • #### **Step 3: Pressure Cook**
  • Secure the **Instant Pot lid** and set the valve to **Sealing**.
  • Select **"Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode** and set to **4 minutes** on HIGH pressure.
  • Once done, do a **quick release** by carefully turning the valve to **Venting**.
  • #### **Step 4: Add the Cheese & Finish**
  • Stir in **shredded cheese and sour cream** until melted and creamy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • #### **Step 5: Serve & Enjoy**
  • Garnish with **cilantro, avocado, or jalapeños** if desired.
  • Serve warm with **tortilla chips, garlic bread, or a side salad**.