Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta – Mexican flavors meets Italian pasta. Start with ground beef, sprinkle in some taco seasoning with pasta shells, salsa and cheese of course. This taco packed pasta dish is cheesy, easy, and family pleasing.
Who doesn’t love a good chili mac n cheese? This is a taco flavored spin off on the dish. Creating meals for the family that are quick is key to busy weeknights. My family loves tacos, Mexican food and pasta! What about yours?
Well, I have to backtrack here on this statement. My two boys (hubby and son) do not like Mexican Food and nor Italian food “OUT”. I must have failed miserably as a wife and mother, cause Mexican and Italian food are MY FAVS, other than a juicy RIBEYE, and I L-O-V-E love (can you Bear in the Big Blue House singing) to go out for a good meal!
At least I have my daughter on my side. Just too bad she had to move away and go to college, (How DARE SHE)!
Since I really cannot figure them out {SIGH} I decided to try to make something at home they will enjoy! This one takes the cake!
This can be made on the stove top as well. See Recipe Notes for instructions.
Ingredients needed for Instant Pot Taco Pasta
- Ground Beef
- Taco Seasoning
- Salt & Pepper
- Water
- Pasta Shells (Medium Size)
- Salsa
- Mexican Blend Cheese
How to Make Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta (Pressure Cooker Recipe)
Step 1. Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE. Cook ground beef until no longer pink. Break up with a wooden spatula. Once cooked, add in taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and mix well.
Step 2. Pour in water.
Then add pasta and salsa. Do not mix up.
Step 3. Close lid and make sure vent is closed. Set Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 4 minutes.
Step 4. Once cooking finishes, manual release. Open lid and pour in cheese and mix well. Let cheese melt in and give another stir if needed.
Step 5. Top with your favorite taco toppings if desired.
This one is really fun and fast to whip up! I love to put out all the taco toppings and let everyone build their own masterpiece. And make sure to add extra cilantro for me!
Go ahead and spill!! What are your favorite taco toppings?
Other delicious recipes you may want to try!
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Meatloaf and Potatoes in the Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatball
- Low Carb Instant Pot Chili
- Instant Pot Ribs
If you like this recipe please give it 5 stars in the comment section and say hello!
Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb pasta shells, medium uncooked
- 1 jar salsa (15.5 ounce)
- 2 cups Mexican or Taco Blend Cheese, Shredded
Instructions
- Set the {6 Quart} Instant Pot to SAUTE. Cook ground beef until no longer pink. Break up with a wooden spatula. Once cooked, add in taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and mix well.
- Pour in water, pasta, and salsa. Do not mix up.
- Close lid and make sure vent is closed. Set Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Once cooking finishes, manual release. Open lid and pour in cheese and mix well. Let cheese melt in and give another stir if needed.
- Top with your favorite taco toppings if desired.
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground beef?
Absolutely, shredded, cut into bite sized pieces or use a rotisserie and chop up to make it easy.
Is manual release quick release?
Yes it is.
How much water do you need to add as it hasn’t gotten an amount
4 cups are listed on the recipe card. Please let me know if that isn’t showing up for you so that I can let my tech support know.
This is so good plus it’s quick and easy to make. Thank you so much for sharing
Can rigatoni be substituted for the shells?
Yes. You should be able to use any pasta you have. I did test it with shells, but I have made other pastas in the IP and they have all turned out so delicious!