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 first made this cheesy taco pasta skillet for my kids after a hectic weekday and it was such a hit, they now request it almost every week. It feels good to serve a dish that gets everyone excited to come to the dinner table.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (or ground turkey): 1 lb (450 g)
- Onion: 1 small, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Taco seasoning: 2 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Short pasta: 2 cups (8 oz / 225 g) rotini, penne, or shells
- 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)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups (170 g)
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Chopped fresh cilantro: for garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions: for garnish (optional)
- Diced tomatoes: for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the meat:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking apart as it cooks (about 4–5 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add aromatics:
- Add diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Season:
- Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef.
- Build the sauce:
- Add uncooked pasta, canned tomatoes (with juices), broth, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid absorbed.
- Add cheese:
- Turn off heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Finish:
- Fold in sour cream until well combined.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, green onions, or diced tomatoes if desired.
Save Our family loves to pile on the toppings and enjoy this together straight from the skillet around the dinner table. It makes weeknight dinners much more fun and interactive, especially when everyone gets to choose their favorite garnishes.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet with lid, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife, cutting board
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 550 calories, 27 g total fat, 45 g carbohydrates, and 32 g protein
Diet and Cuisine
Main Dish, American-Mexican Fusion, Contains Meat, Not Vegetarian
Save For the best flavor and texture, serve immediately while hot and creamy. Leftovers reheat well, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and absorbs the taco seasoning flavors beautifully.
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells are ideal as they hold the sauce and flavors effectively.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Add a diced jalapeño with the onions or increase the taco seasoning for additional heat.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Using gluten-free pasta options makes this dish appropriate for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- → What garnishes complement this skillet?
Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and diced tomatoes add bright, fresh flavors that balance the creaminess.