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Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

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A quick and easy one-pan meal combining taco-seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles)
  • 8 oz medium pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 170 g)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (240 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup chicken or beef broth (240 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with your spatula and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper as you go.
  4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the cooked beef and onions. Stir well to coat all the meat, letting the spices toast briefly for about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce and broth. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add the dry pasta directly to the skillet. Stir, then cover with a lid and let simmer for 12-15 minutes. Check pasta doneness occasionally and stir gently to prevent sticking.
  7. Once pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, reduce heat to low. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let cheese melt for 3-5 minutes.
  8. Give everything a final gentle stir to combine cheesy goodness throughout the skillet. Taste and adjust salt or seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream or chopped cilantro.

Notes

If pasta seems dry before fully cooked, add a splash more broth or water. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Cover skillet while pasta cooks to trap steam and ensure even cooking. Add cheese last and let it melt quietly to keep creamy texture. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta, cheesy pasta skillet, quick dinner, weeknight meal, ground beef recipe, easy pasta recipe, one-pan meal

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/easy-cheesy-taco-pasta-skillet-recipe-for-quick-weeknight-dinners/