Beef Taco Pasta Skillet (Printable)

One-pan meal with seasoned beef, tender pasta, and melted cheddar, perfect for a quick comforting dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices & Seasonings

04 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning or 2½ tbsp homemade taco seasoning
05 - ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste
06 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Pasta & Liquids

07 - 8 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
08 - 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
09 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

→ Dairy

10 - 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
11 - ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)

→ Garnishes (Optional)

12 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
13 - 1 jalapeño, sliced
14 - 1 avocado, diced

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
03 - Sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly over the beef mixture. Stir to coat thoroughly.
04 - Add uncooked pasta, beef broth, and undrained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring mixture to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese melts.
07 - Plate the skillet contents hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeño, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan so you spend less time cleaning and more time eating
  • The pasta absorbs all those spicy beef juices while it cooks making every bite incredibly flavorful
02 -
  • The pasta continues absorbing liquid even after you turn off the heat so do not let it get too dry while simmering
  • Real cheese melts so much better than the pre shredded stuff which has anti caking coatings
03 -
  • Use a skillet with high sides or a deep Dutch oven to prevent boil overs when the pasta bubbles up
  • Grate your own cheese from a block because it melts smoother and tastes fresher
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