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Homemade Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet recipe photo
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Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

This Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet is SO EASY! A cheesy, creamy, and zesty one-pan dinner that combines taco flavors with comforting pasta in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Cheesy, Easy, One-Pot, Quick, Taco
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing the onion and garlic
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies canned
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Break it apart with your wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add the diced onion to the beef in the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the beef mixture and stir to coat. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, including the liquid, mixing everything together.
  • Add the 2 cups of beef broth to the skillet and bring everything to a boil. Stir in the elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let the pasta simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy.
  • Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Cheese grater
  • Knife and cutting board

Notes

  • Stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • Drain excess fat from the beef if it seems too greasy to improve texture.
  • Use a skillet with a lid or cover tightly to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
  • Adjust salt carefully after adding taco seasoning and broth to avoid over-salting.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.