Save A one-pan family-friendly dish blending the bold flavors of tacos with creamy cheesy pasta for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
I made this cheesy taco pasta skillet on a night when everyone was tired and hungry and it became an instant hit at our table. The blend of savory meat and gooey cheese made seconds inevitable!
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) or use ground turkey
- Onion: 1 small diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Taco seasoning: 2 tbsp store-bought or homemade
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Short pasta: 2 cups (8 oz / 225 g) uncooked rotini penne or shells
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) undrained
- Low-sodium broth: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) chicken or beef
- Tomato sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Cilantro green onions diced tomatoes: chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the meat:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat cook ground beef until browned breaking it apart as it cooks (about 4&ndash5 minutes) and drain excess fat if needed.
- Add veggies:
- Add diced onion and garlic and sauté for 2&ndash3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Season:
- Stir in taco seasoning salt and black pepper and mix well to coat the meat.
- Combine and simmer:
- Add uncooked pasta canned tomatoes with juices broth and tomato sauce and stir. Bring to a boil then reduce heat cover and simmer for 12&ndash14 minutes stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Make it cheesy:
- Turn off heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Finish with sour cream:
- Fold in sour cream until well combined and creamy.
- Serve:
- Spoon into bowls and garnish with cilantro green onions or diced tomatoes if desired. Serve hot.
Save Our kids love scooping big spoonfuls onto their plates and customizing with all their favorite toppings it&aposs always a lively dinner we look forward to together.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet with lid wooden spoon or spatula chef's knife cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy cheese sour cream wheat pasta may contain soy depending on taco seasoning and broth always check labels for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories 550 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 45 g Protein 32 g
Save Serve with a crisp Mexican lager or a light red wine for a perfect meal everyone will love.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work well for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- → What types of pasta work best for this dish?
Short pastas like rotini, penne, or shells hold sauce and cook evenly in the skillet.
- → How can I add more heat to the skillet?
Add a diced jalapeño with the onions or increase the amount of taco seasoning to boost spice.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety.
- → What garnishes complement the flavors best?
Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and diced tomatoes add brightness and texture.
- → Can this dish be paired with beverages?
Enjoy it with a crisp Mexican lager or a light red wine to balance the flavors.