Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet (Printable)

One-pan cheesy pasta with taco spices, ground beef, and melted cheddar ready in 30 minutes.

# What you'll need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 1 small onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices & Seasonings

04 - 2 tbsp taco seasoning
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Pantry

07 - 2 cups uncooked short pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
08 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
09 - 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
10 - 1/2 cup tomato sauce

→ Dairy

11 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 - 1/2 cup sour cream

→ Garnish (optional)

13 - Chopped fresh cilantro
14 - Sliced green onions
15 - Diced tomatoes

# Method:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the beef is well coated.
04 - Add the uncooked pasta, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, broth, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine evenly.
05 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove the skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
07 - Fold in the sour cream thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
08 - Serve immediately, topped with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced tomatoes as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-pan meal means less cleanup
  • Delivers taco flavor with comfort-food pasta
02 -
  • This dish contains dairy (cheese, sour cream) and wheat (pasta)
  • Pasta shape affects cooking time–use a short, sturdy style for best results
03 -
  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and creamy texture
  • Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking
Return