Description
One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet is a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal combining seasoned ground beef, taco spices, pasta, and melty cheeses all cooked together in a single skillet for easy preparation and minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a creamy, savory, and zesty one-dish dinner that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb ground beef
Seasonings and Aromatics
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
Pasta
- 8 oz uncooked penne or rotini pasta
Cheeses
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics and meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add taco seasoning and liquids: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the browned meat and mix well. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and broth, stirring to combine evenly.
- Stir in pasta and cook: Add uncooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Add cheeses for creamy finish: Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Continue stirring until cheeses melt fully and create a creamy, smooth texture.
- Taste and adjust: Sample the dish and add salt or pepper if needed. Fold in any optional mix-ins or fresh herbs like cilantro for added brightness.
Notes
- Use short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne or rotini to hold the sauce well.
- Stir often during pasta cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add cheese after pasta is fully cooked for best melty texture.
- Adjust spice level by adding jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or other seasonings as preferred.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions to add freshness and brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: one pot, cheesy, taco pasta, skillet, ground beef, quick dinner, easy meal, comfort food, weeknight recipe, Tex-Mex pasta