Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet (Printable)

A quick, cheesy pasta dish combining bold taco spices with ground beef and creamy cheddar.

# 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, about 4–5 minutes. Drain excess fat as needed.
02 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to evenly coat the meat.
04 - Add uncooked pasta, canned tomatoes with juices, broth, and tomato sauce; stir until well combined.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid absorbed.
06 - Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
07 - Fold in sour cream until fully combined into the mixture.
08 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro, green onions, and diced tomatoes as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick to make and perfect for busy nights
  • All-in-one meal that the whole family enjoys
02 -
  • Check product labels for possible hidden allergens in seasoning and broth.
  • Use gluten-free pasta for allergy-friendly adaptation.
03 -
  • Add a diced jalapeno for extra heat if you enjoy spice.
  • Swap in ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles for lighter versions.
Return