Pin A one-pan, family-friendly dish blending the bold flavors of tacos with creamy, cheesy pasta for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
When I first made this cheesy taco pasta skillet, everyone asked for seconds because it was simple, bold, and comforting. It quickly became a requested weeknight favorite that we make whenever cravings for both tacos and pasta strike.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) or substitute with 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) rotini, penne or shells, uncooked
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g), undrained
- Chicken or beef broth: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml), low-sodium
- Tomato sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups (170 g), shredded
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Garnish (optional): Chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Brown the meat:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 4–5 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Saute aromatics:
- Add the diced onion and garlic. Saute 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Season:
- Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef.
- Add liquids and pasta:
- Add uncooked pasta, canned tomatoes (with juices), broth, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
- Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add cheese:
- Turn off the heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add sour cream:
- Fold in sour cream until well combined.
- Serve and garnish:
- Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, green onions, or diced tomatoes as desired.
Pin Every time I serve this skillet, my kids get excited to help sprinkle the cheese and add colorful garnishes. It is the kind of meal that always brings everyone to the table quickly and with smiles.
Required Tools
For best results, use a large deep skillet with a lid, a wooden spoon or spatula, a chefs knife, and a sturdy cutting board for prepping ingredients.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy and wheat. Some store-bought taco seasonings and broths may include soy, so check product labels if you are sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Each serving offers approximately 550 calories, 27 g fat, 45 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein, making it a hearty main dish for dinner.
Pin This cheesy taco pasta skillet is always a fast favorite. It is a flavorful twist that will satisfy hungry families any night of the week.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and offers a lighter, leaner alternative while keeping the rich flavors.
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells hold the sauce and texture nicely during cooking.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Add diced jalapeños with the onions or increase the taco seasoning to boost heat.
- → Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?
Substitute cheddar cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives to keep creamy texture without dairy.
- → What garnishes pair well with this skillet meal?
Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced tomatoes add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- → Can I prepare this using gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely, gluten-free pasta varieties can be used without altering cooking methods or flavor balance.