Taco Pasta Skillet Dinner (Print Version)

Creamy pasta with taco flavors, beef, and cheddar—all in one skillet for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained)

→ Pasta

05 - 8 oz (225 g) short pasta (e.g., rotini, penne)

→ Dairy

06 - 1 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese
07 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream

→ Liquids

08 - 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium beef or chicken broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 2 tbsp taco seasoning
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Optional Toppings

12 - 1/4 cup (10 g) chopped fresh cilantro
13 - 1/2 cup (60 g) sliced jalapeños
14 - 1/2 cup (60 g) diced avocado

# Method:

01 - Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Mix in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add cherry tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) and stir to combine.
04 - Add uncooked pasta and pour in broth. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
05 - Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar and sour cream until cheese is melted and the pasta is creamy.
06 - Serve hot, topped with cilantro, jalapeños, and avocado if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Made in one pot for minimal cleanup
  • Uses pantry staples you likely already have
  • Perfect balance of creamy comfort and bold taco flavors
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings
02 -
  • High in protein with 29g per serving
  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Perfect for meal prep as leftovers reheat beautifully
  • Can be customized to suit different dietary needs
  • Works with any short pasta shape you have on hand
03 -
  • The key to this dish's success is timing the pasta perfectly. Test it frequently toward the end of cooking to ensure it remains al dente.
  • Different pasta shapes and brands may require slightly different cooking times, so trust your taste buds over the clock.
  • If the mixture seems too dry before adding the cheese and sour cream, add an extra splash of broth.
  • Conversely, if it seems too soupy, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
  • Finally, always remove the pan from heat before adding dairy components to prevent separation and achieve that perfect creamy texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
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