Instant Pot Taco Pasta Casserole

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Are you fed up with cooking the same old meals every week? Do you want to make something new and exciting for dinner, but don’t have a lot of time? We hear you! That’s why we created this delicious Instant Pot Taco Pasta Casserole. With just 5 minutes of prep time and 5 minutes in the Instant Pot, you can serve up a quick, easy and tasty meal that everyone in your family will love.

This one-pot dish provides all the flavors of tacos without any hassle or mess – perfect for busy mums looking for an easy way to whip up something special at dinnertime.

So grab your ingredients, dust off those measuring spoons, and let’s get started on making this mouthwatering taco pasta recipe! Cooking pasta has never been easier.

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What Is Taco Pasta Casserole?

Taco pasta casserole is a delicious one-pot taco pasta dish that combines the flavors of tacos with the convenience and ease of a casserole.

Made with ground beef, spices, pasta, cheese, and various other ingredients, it is perfect for busy mums looking for an easy way to whip up something special at dinnertime.

Taco Pasta Vs Hamburger Helper

While both taco pasta and hamburger helper are simple, easy-to-make dishes that combine ground beef with pasta and a variety of spices, there are some key differences between the two.

Taco pasta casserole has a Mexican taco flavor, while hamburger helper has more of an American burger flavor.

Is Taco Pasta Healthy?

Taco pasta casserole is a healthy, nutritious dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day. It is packed full of protein from ground beef, and also contains plenty of vitamins and minerals from other ingredients such as cheese, tomatoes, onions, and spices.

Why Make Instant Pot Taco Pasta?

Instant Pot Taco Pasta is a super tasty recipe that the family can enjoy. We love pressure-cooking this in one pot and it tastes amazing! It is also incredibly easy to make and super fast.

If you are fans of Taco pasta, then you’ll love these taco chicken and taco soup recipes too!

Instant Pot Taco Pasta Ingredients

Here are the ingredients needed for this taco pasta Instant Pot recipe:

• 1 Pound Of Lean Ground Beef
• 1 Small Onion, Diced
• 2 Tsp Minced Garlic 
• 16 oz Pasta Shells (I used medium pasta shells) 
• 16 oz Jar Of Mild Salsa
• Homemade Taco Seasoning (see recipe below)
• 4 C. Low Sodium Chicken Broth 
• 2 C. Shredded Cheddar Cheese 
• Salt & Pepper To Taste

Taco Seasoning Recipe

Here are the ingredients for making taco seasoning:

• Taco Seasoning Recipe
• 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
• 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
• 1/4 Tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 1/2 Tsp Oregano
• 1/2 Tsp Paprika
• 1 1/2 Tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Pepper

You can also check out the following recipe: Homemade Taco Seasoning.

How To Make Instant Pot Taco Pasta Casserole

Here is a step-by-step recipe for cooking Instant Pot Taco Pasta

Step One: Add Ground Beef To Pot

Add the ground beef, diced onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot insert.

Step Two: Turn On Saute Function

Press saute and brown the meat. Drain the grease if needed.

Step Three: Add Taco Seasoning

Once the ground beef is browned, add the homemade taco seasoning.

Step Four: Add Broth, Salsa And Pasta Shells

Add in the chicken broth, salsa and pasta and stir to combine the ingredients.

Step Five: Pressure Cook Taco Pasta

Close the Instant Pot lid and seal it shut. Set the manual button to pressure cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

Step Six: Quick Release Instant Pot

Once the cooking cycle has completed carefully vent the Instant Pot by performing a quick release.

Step Seven: Add Cheese To Taco Pasta

Stir in the 2 cups of shredded cheese until melted into the shell pasta.

Step Eight: Garnish And Serve

Garnish with salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese and other taco

garnishes.

Can I Use Ground Turkey For Taco Pasta?

Yes, you can use ground turkey for this recipe instead of ground beef. Simply follow the same cooking instructions.

You may also need to use a little extra chicken broth or salsa if the meat is not as flavorful and juicy as you would like it

I Want To Add Tomatoes To My Taco Pasta.

This cheesy Instant Pot taco pasta does not need tomatoes. However, if you wish to add a tomato taste, add 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce or 1/2 can diced tomatoes to the recipe for a tomato flavor.

Variations For Instant Pot Taco Pasta

There are many different variations that you can try with this taco pasta Instant Pot recipe. Some other tasty options include adding black beans, frozen corn or bell peppers to the mix.

You could even use a variety of different cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, to give your dish a unique flavor. Or try using a Mexican blend cheese.

Other substitutions include switching the chicken broth for beef broth, and adding a cup of enchilada sauce to the meat mixture.

Making Chicken Taco Pasta

If you prefer to use chicken instead of ground beef or ground turkey, simply add 1 pound of shredded chicken to your electric pressure cooker and follow the instructions as above.

Best Toppings For Cheesy Taco Pasta

There are many delicious toppings you can use to top your taco pasta casserole. Some of our favorites include:

-Salsa

-Sour Cream

-Shredded Cheese

-Guacamole

-Jalapeños

-Pico De Gallo

-Baked Tortilla Chips

-Green Onions

-Cream Cheese

What To Serve With Pasta Taco Casserole?

Many delicious side dishes go well with taco pasta casserole. Our favorites include:

-Spicy Corn And Black Bean Salad

-Cilantro Lime Rice

-Mexican Street Corn Salad

-Cornbread Casserole

-Cheesy Quesadillas

-Charred Poblano Scampi

Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef In Taco Pasta?

Yes, you can use frozen ground beef in this taco pasta recipe. Simply add the frozen beef to the Instant Pot and slowly cook in the pot from frozen.

Can I Cook Cheesy Taco Pasta In The Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can cook cheesy taco pasta in the slow cooker. Brown your mince and then add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker, and stir well to combine. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the pasta is cooked through and tender. Garnish as desired and serve warm. Enjoy!

More Instant Pot Recipes

If you love to cook pasta then why not try these pasta dishes in your Instant pot. These delicious recipes are easy and simple and perfect for the Instant Pot newbie.

• Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
• Wild Buffalo Chicken Pasta
• Instant Pot Feta Cheese Pasta
• Instant Pot Tuna Casserole
• Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
• Instant Pot Cacio E Pepe Pasta
• Instant Pot Spaghetti And Meat Sauce
• Vegan Tacos