This Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that combines the flavors of cheesy tacos with hearty pasta for a comforting and satisfying dinner option. Made with ground beef, taco seasoning, pasta, salsa, and plenty of melted cheese, this skillet dish is sure to become a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as rotini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream
Instructions:
- Brown Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Taco Seasoning:
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the cooked ground beef and stir well to combine, ensuring the beef is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Cook Pasta:
- Add the uncooked pasta, salsa, and beef broth to the skillet with the seasoned ground beef.
- Stir to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cheese:
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Melt Cheese:
- Cover the skillet again and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the residual heat to melt the cheese.
- Alternatively, you can place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two to melt and lightly brown the cheese.
- Serve:
- Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, garnish the Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet with your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and sour cream.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
- Family Dinner: Serve as a hearty and satisfying main course for a family dinner.
- Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
- Potluck Favorite: Bring to potlucks, picnics, or parties as a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.
Cooking Tips:
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences. Other options include sliced black olives, diced avocado, or jalapeño slices.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Protein: Provides protein from the ground beef and cheese.
- Carbohydrates: Offers carbohydrates from the pasta and salsa.
- Calcium: Rich in calcium from the shredded cheese.
Dietary Information:
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the cheesy goodness and familiar taco flavors of this dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and taco seasoning to make the dish gluten-free.
- Low-Carb Variation: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one skillet, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
- Comforting and Flavorful: Packed with cheesy, taco-inspired goodness that the whole family will enjoy.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet is a simple yet satisfying meal that brings together the flavors of cheesy tacos and hearty pasta in one delicious dish. With its easy preparation and family-friendly appeal, it’s sure to become a regular favorite on your dinner rotation. Enjoy the cheesy goodness and comforting flavors of this skillet meal, and savor every bite!