Taco Pasta Skillet
All the zesty flavors of your favorite tacos combined with cheesy pasta in one skillet! This easy weeknight dinner comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
For 4 servings
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil, followed by the chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for 5-6 minutes until browned. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Pour in the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles and the beef broth. Add the uncooked pasta and stir everything together until well combined.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente and most of the liquid should be absorbed.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until it's melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a lean ground beef (90/10) to minimize the amount of grease you need to drain.
- 2Don't overcook the pasta. It will continue to cook in the residual heat, so aim for al dente.
- 3If the skillet seems too dry while simmering, add a splash of beef broth or water.
- 4Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the sauce to thicken perfectly.
- 5For an extra crunch, serve with crushed tortilla chips on top.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Add 1-2 chopped jalapeños along with the onion, or stir in 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning.
Creamier VersionCreamier Version
Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream along with the shredded cheese in the final step.
Vegetarian OptionVegetarian Option
Substitute the ground beef with 1 pound of plant-based ground 'meat' or two cans of drained and rinsed black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
This recipe works wonderfully with ground turkey or ground chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Ground beef provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Lycopene
The cooked tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to improved heart health and a reduced risk of certain diseases.
Quick Energy Source
The pasta provides complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of fuel, making this a satisfying and energizing meal.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Taco Pasta Skillet contains approximately 550-600 calories, depending on the leanness of the beef and the type of cheese used.