Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet (Printer-Friendly)

A quick one-pan skillet combining taco spices, ground beef, pasta, and creamy cheddar cheese.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef (450 g) 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 (e.g., rotini, penne, shells) (8 oz / 225 g)
08 - 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained (14.5 oz / 410 g)
09 - 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth (360 ml)
10 - 1/2 cup tomato sauce (120 ml)

→ Dairy

11 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (170 g)
12 - 1/2 cup sour cream (120 ml)

→ Garnish (optional)

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

# Method:

01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add 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, mixing thoroughly to evenly coat the meat.
04 - Add uncooked pasta, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, broth, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
05 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
07 - Fold sour cream into the mixture until well combined and smooth.
08 - Dish the skillet contents hot, garnished with optional chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced tomatoes as desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick dinner recipe made in one pan
  • Comforting and crowd-pleasing flavors
02 -
  • To make it vegetarian use plantbased crumbles instead of ground beef.
  • Always check labels on broths and taco seasonings for hidden allergens.
03 -
  • For a spicier flavor add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions.
  • Switch to glutenfree pasta for an allergenfriendly version.
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