When I first tried making taco pasta in my instant pot, it quickly became a go-to dinner for my family. I love how this Instant Pot Taco Pasta dish blends creamy, cheesy, and flavorful food with simple ingredients, whether I add chicken, beef, or turkey. The recipe is so easy that even a child can ask for seconds, and the meal is better than most hamburger helper dishes I grew up with.
On Tuesday nights, I often pair it with bruschetta or a side of rice, and it’s fun to put together on the stove or in the slow cooker. Each time I made it, I took photos to check the taste and share the updated pictures with friends, reminding me how quick, mild, yet satisfying a real comfort meal can be. Even spicy variations or adding thai flavors work wonderfully, creating different flavors that everyone in Massachusetts, from Whitman to my electric skillet, can enjoy.
I’ve taken this recipe and served it on top of mashed wings or alongside one pad of favorite tacos, proving that a welcome, fun, and overly simple dish can bring worlds of joy in just seconds at night. Hadden once told me it was boring, but the change and the place where I created it made him love it.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Taco Pasta:
Here is the complete list of all ingredients that you’ll need to make Instant Taco Pasta:
- Ground Meat
I usually use ground beef or chicken, but turkey, pork, meatballs, or tater tots work too. Choose any lean option; the Instant Pot cooks it perfectly.
- Cheeses & Cream
Mix cheddar, mozzarella, jack, shredded, and sharp cheese with a bit of cream for a rich, creamy texture. Adjust the blend to your taste.
- Vegetables & Fresh Additions
Add tomato, salsa, cilantro, onion, garlic, pepper, vegetable, olives, and leaves for freshness and flavor. Chop fresh for best results.
- Seasoning & Flavor
Use fajita seasoning, salt, spiciness, or a homemade mixture. Adjust the level to suit picky eaters.
- Liquids & Broth
Pour in broth, stock, water, or sauce to cook the pasta evenly. Beef broth adds depth; chicken stock or water lightens it.
- Pasta & Shapes
I prefer elbows, small, medium, or Mexican-style shapes. Measure cups, ounces, or pounds carefully for even cooking.
- Additional Notes
This taco dish serves six, is easy, and works well for a family dinner. Follow the recipe card and enjoy fresh from the bottom of the pot.
How to Make Instant Pot Taco Pasta (Step-by-Step Guide):
Step 1: Saute the Meat
Set your electric 6-qt cooker to saute and brown ground beef with aromatics like tomato, onion, and garlic. Stir well to combine and release the flavors.
Step 2: Add Seasoning
Add seasoning and salsa to the meat. Stir thoroughly so the beef is evenly coated and flavorful.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta
Pour in pasta and the broth, stock, or other liquid until the pasta is covered. Push it down gently to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Lock the lid, select high pressure, and adjust the valve to pressure-release. Press 6-8 minutes (or 4-5 minutes for softer pasta).
Step 5: Quick Release and Combine
When done, quickly release the pressure, pop the lid, and stir in cream and cheese. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Top
Top the pasta with your favorite toppings, making sure the melted cheese and sauce coat everything. Serve immediately for a perfect taco dish.
How to make Instant Pot Taco Pasta (Video):
Here is the complete video tutorial that helps you make Instant Pot Taco Pasta:
Tips for Success (or keep Top Tips):
Here are some tips that will help you to make your whole process successful so, consider them while cooking:
- Prepare the Pot
- Lightly coat the bottom of the pot with oil to prevent ground beef or chicken from sticking and burning.
- Lightly coat the bottom of the pot with oil to prevent ground beef or chicken from sticking and burning.
- Check Liquids
- Make sure liquids cover the pasta to cook it al dente. Use a spatula to push the pasta gently if needed.
- Make sure liquids cover the pasta to cook it al dente. Use a spatula to push the pasta gently if needed.
- Monitor Pressure
- Do not overfill the pot; pressure works best when there’s some space.
- Do not overfill the pot; pressure works best when there’s some space.
- Add Cheese and Cream
- Use pre-shredded cheese, cream, or a block of cheese for even melting, and mix gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
- Use pre-shredded cheese, cream, or a block of cheese for even melting, and mix gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
- Adjust Consistency
- If it sticks, scrape carefully. Add a little sour yogurt or plain yogurt to adjust consistency.
- If it sticks, scrape carefully. Add a little sour yogurt or plain yogurt to adjust consistency.
- Rest Before Serving
- Let the pasta sit for a minute once the lid is removed so it cools slightly.
- Let the pasta sit for a minute once the lid is removed so it cools slightly.
- Avoid Over-Thickening
- Too much mac or heavier liquids can thicken quickly, so use the right stuff and substitute wisely for perfect melts at the end.
Substitutions and Additions:
Here are given some substitutes that you can also try for better results or you wanna try something other:
Beans & Vegetables
- Add canned black beans or corn kernels for extra protein and texture. Diced jalapenos give a mild kick, while scallions and cilantro add fresh flavor and color.
Toppings & Flavor Enhancers
- Guacamole, sour cream, or extra cream can be stirred in at the end to make the pasta richer and creamier, giving it that comforting, restaurant-style taste.
Pasta & Ingredients Flexibility
- Swap pasta shapes or ingredients based on what family members prefer. This makes it easy to customize for picky eaters without changing the core recipe.
Serving & Eating
- Keep the baseline ingredients intact while adding your favorite extras for a simple but flavorful taco pasta. Everyone, especially kids, will love it when eating together.
How to Double the Recipe:
If you want to serve more people, it’s easy to double the recipe for Instant Pot Taco Pasta. The ingredients should be adjusted to make four generously sized portions or more, and the cooking time stays mostly the same, so it’s super easy to manage even when making a bigger batch. Following the written recipe carefully ensures everything cooks evenly, and everyone gets enough portions without any extra hassle.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Storage
Keep your Instant Pot Taco Pasta fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure portions are separated if possible for easier reheating later.
Reheating
For reheating, use the microwave oven or stove on medium heat, and add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat until fully warmed. Ensure each portion is evenly heated and ready to eat.
More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love:
- Asparagus Chicken Pasta
- One-Pot Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta
- Quick Creamy Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo
- Sun Dried Tomato Cream Pasta
- One-Pot Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Orzo
- One-Pot Chicken Sausage Pasta
FAQs about Instant Pot Taco Pasta
How long should I cook pasta in the Instant Pot?
To cook pasta in the Instant Pot, set it to high pressure and adjust the time to half of the suggested cooking on the box. Press the manual and use a quick release (QR) or natural release (NR) for about 5 minutes to finish cooking perfectly. This ensures the pasta cooks equally throughout without overcooking.
What are the 6 ingredients in taco pasta?
Here are the 6 ingredients you’ll need:
- Ground Meat: 1 pound lean ground beef
- Tomato: 8 ounces tomato sauce
- Pasta: 8 ounces small or medium pasta shells
- Cheese: 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar or cheddar-jack blend
- Seasoning: 1-2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- Broth: ½ cup beef broth
Is there anything you should not put in the Instant Pot?
Yes, there are few things that you should avoid
1.Avoid Dairy & Thickening Agents: Do not put cream, milk, or other dairy agents that thicken too fast.
2.Meats to Watch: Avoid meats that are extremely rare or likely to get stuck in the pot.
3.Follow Safety Tips: Keep these tips in mind to ensure food is properly cooked and nothing needs to be removed.
Should Instant Pot pasta be high or low pressure?
When cooking pasta, the package instructions matter, but it should usually be high pressure. Make sure the pasta is covered with water and the lid is sealed, then turn the knob to the correct position. Add a few extra minutes or half the suggested time for softer results, then release the pressure carefully and see examples above for proper cooking.
Do I need to drain the ground beef grease from Instant Pot?
If you are using lean beef, you do not usually need to drain the grease, but if using higher fat content beef, it might be beneficial to remove some fat content to keep the dish lighter and less oily.
What is a quick release on an Instant Pot?
A quick release means you manually open the vent to release the pressure quickly, simply letting it out rather than letting it release over time, which speeds up cooking and avoids overcooking.
