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Easy Instant Pot Taco Pasta photo

Instant Pot Taco Pasta

This Instant Pot Taco Pasta is SO EASY! Savory beef, zesty tomatoes, and creamy cheese combine with penne for a quick, comforting weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 oz taco seasoning package
  • 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies can
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 16 oz penne pasta box
  • 15 oz salsa con queso jar
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander or strainer (optional)

Method
 

The Method for Instant Pot Taco Pasta
  1. Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add the lean ground beef. Cook it until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with your spatula. Drain any excess fat if needed to keep the dish lighter.
  2. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir it into the beef, allowing the spices to toast slightly and become fragrant. Then sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir well to help thicken the sauce later.
  3. Pour in the beef broth along with the entire can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. Stir everything together to combine. Add the penne pasta, pressing it gently into the liquid to ensure it’s mostly submerged. Do not stir after this step to avoid the “burn” warning on the Instant Pot.
  4. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Once the timer beeps, allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  5. Open the lid and give everything a good stir. Add the jar of salsa con queso and the shredded Mexican cheese blend. Stir until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy finish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Scoop the taco pasta into bowls and garnish as desired. Fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream all make fantastic toppings. Serve with a simple green salad or other Tex-Mex sides.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; 5 minutes pressure cooking is perfect for al dente penne.
  • Use lean beef to keep the dish lighter and reduce excess grease.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein alternative.
  • Adjust spice level by choosing mild salsa con queso or reducing taco seasoning.
  • For thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes on sauté after cooking to reduce liquid.
  • To make vegetarian, omit beef and add black beans or cooked lentils.