Beef Taco Pasta Skillet Recipe
This Beef Taco Pasta Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef with pasta, tomatoes, and melted cheese. It’s a quick and hearty fusion dish that brings together the bold flavors of taco seasoning with comforting pasta, perfect for a family dinner or easy weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (elbow or shells)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (pork-free)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the beef: Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over cooked beef. Stir well to combine and coat the meat thoroughly with spices.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom for extra flavor.
- Add pasta and cook: Add the uncooked pasta directly to the skillet. Stir to combine with the beef mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes. For extra gooeyness, add more cheese or briefly broil until bubbly and golden.
- Season and serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Elbow macaroni or small shell pasta works best to absorb the flavors.
- To make it spicier, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the skillet when adding the tomatoes.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a cheesy crust finish, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after adding cheese, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Keywords: beef taco pasta skillet, taco pasta, one-pan dinner, ground beef skillet, easy weeknight meal, Mexican-inspired pasta
Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/beef-taco-pasta-skillet-recipe/
