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One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet
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A quick and comforting one-pot meal combining tender pasta, seasoned taco meat, and creamy cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this cheesy taco pasta skillet is flavorful, family-friendly, and easy to customize for different dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Liquids & Seasonings

  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning blend

Cheese

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for squeezing

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground meat and aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Season and add liquids: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and onions, stirring to coat evenly. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth or water. Mix well, scraping the skillet bottom to incorporate browned bits.
  3. Add pasta and cook: Add uncooked pasta to the skillet, making sure it is submerged in liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
  4. Stir in cheese and finish: Reduce heat to low, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet, and stir gently until melted and creamy.

Notes

  • Brown the meat fully, breaking it apart to ensure even cooking and seasoning.
  • Simmer pasta covered to allow even cooking and full absorption of flavors.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and better texture.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra taco seasoning before serving.
  • Add fresh toppings like cilantro or avocado just before serving to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, cheesy taco pasta, skillet recipe, quick dinner, family-friendly, taco pasta, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/one-pot-cheesy-taco-pasta-skillet/