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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/taco-pasta-skillet-recipe/