Taco Pasta Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Taco Pasta Skillet is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with comforting pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup onion (finely chopped)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 8 oz dried elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is tender.
2. Step 2: Stir in the taco seasoning to coat the meat evenly. Add the frozen corn, chicken broth, salsa, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and dried elbow macaroni. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and everything is well combined.
5. Step 5: Let the dish stand uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken slightly and flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked black beans or plant-based meat crumbles.
• Use a different type of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
• Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños when browning the onions for extra flavor and heat.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the pasta seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use beef broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, beef broth can be used to deepen the flavor, though chicken broth keeps the dish lighter.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne also work well and hold the sauce nicely.

Taco Pasta Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 119 reviews

This Taco Pasta Skillet is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, elbow macaroni, and zesty taco ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the dish features a savory blend of ground beef, taco seasoning, corn, salsa, and cheese cooked together in a skillet, delivering a comforting Tex-Mex inspired pasta dish everyone will love.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels

Seasonings and Liquids

• 2 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles

Pasta and Cheese

• 8 oz dried elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Brown the beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion until the beef is fully browned and the onions have softened, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
2. Add seasoning and ingredients: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and onions, stirring well to coat them evenly. Then add the frozen corn kernels, chicken broth, salsa, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and dried elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined.
3. Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Melt the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese directly into the hot skillet mixture and continue stirring until the cheese has melted completely, creating a creamy and cheesy sauce.
5. Rest before serving: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the dish to stand for 2-3 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors to meld and the dish to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef for a healthier version.
• Taco seasoning can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference.
• Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with a Mexican cheese blend for more depth of flavor.
• If you want it spicier, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Ensure to stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but pasta may absorb more liquid and become thicker.

Keywords: taco pasta, skillet meal, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, Tex-Mex pasta