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    Soulfully Made » Main Dish » Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

    Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

    Nikki Lee Published:June 29, 2018 | Updated: August 20, 2020

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    Recipe Save Saved!

    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.

    A closeup of this instant pot taco pasta recipe topped with parsley, onions, and tomatoes

    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.

    a closeup of browned ground beef with dry taco seasoning on top to make this instant pot cheesy taco pasta

    Step 2.  Pour in water.

    a glass measuring cup pouring water into the instant pot to make this cheesy taco pasta

    Then add pasta and salsa. Do not mix up.

    a closeup of mini pasta shells and red salsa in the pressure cooker to make this instant pot cheesy taco pasta recipe

    Step 3.  Close lid and make sure vent is closed. Set Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 4 minutes.

    a closeup of the face of an instant pot set to cook for four minutes on high to make this instant pot cheesy taco pasta

    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.

    A close up of this instant pot cheesy taco pasta inside the pressure cooker with the shredded cheese on top being stirred in with a wooden spoon

    Step 5. Top with your favorite taco toppings if desired.

    an overhead shot of this instant pot taco pasta inside the pressure cooker insert garnished with chopped parsley

    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?

    a serving of this instant pot taco pasta placed on a white plate and garnished with onions, cilantro, and tomatoes

    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
    Pin this Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta for Later

    If you like this recipe please give it 5 stars in the comment section and say hello!

    an overhead shot of this instant pot taco pasta inside the pressure cooker insert garnished with chopped parsley

    Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

    Author: Nikki Lee
    5 from 3 votes
    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. 
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Save Saved! Pin Recipe Rate
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 4 mins
    Total Time 9 mins
    Course Main Dish
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 6
    Calories 572 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
    • 1 packet taco seasoning
    • 4 cups water
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon 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.

    ✱ Nikki's Tips

    STOVE TOP INSTRUCTIONS:Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions and drain.In a deep skillet or pot cook ground beef until done and no longer pink. Add in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add in pasta, salsa and enough water to combine (about 1 cup) if needed.  Pour in cheese and mix until combined. Serve.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 1 serving Calories: 572 kcal Carbohydrates: 42 g Protein: 45 g Fat: 23 g Saturated Fat: 10 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 11 g Trans Fat: 1 g Cholesterol: 124 mg Sodium: 1326 mg Fiber: 4 g Sugar: 2 g

    Nutrition Disclaimer

    Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

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      RATE THIS RECIPE




    1. erin says

      May 08, 2020 at 12:03 pm

      So Good and easy. I'm always looking for different Mexican recipes and this one is perfect.

      Reply
    2. Kelly says

      January 13, 2020 at 10:32 pm

      Can I use chicken breast instead of ground beef?

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        January 17, 2020 at 8:22 am

        Absolutely, shredded, cut into bite sized pieces or use a rotisserie and chop up to make it easy.

        Reply
    3. Kaitlyn says

      January 05, 2020 at 8:36 pm

      Is manual release quick release?

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        January 06, 2020 at 5:53 pm

        Yes it is.

        Reply
    4. Lisa johns says

      October 04, 2019 at 2:54 pm

      How much water do you need to add as it hasn't gotten an amount

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        October 07, 2019 at 1:35 am

        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.

        Reply
    5. Dale says

      August 28, 2018 at 11:26 pm

      5 stars
      This is so good plus it's quick and easy to make. Thank you so much for sharing

      Reply
    6. Barbara says

      July 30, 2018 at 6:48 pm

      Can rigatoni be substituted for the shells?

      Reply
      • [email protected] says

        July 30, 2018 at 8:25 pm

        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!

        Reply

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