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Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

Featured in: International BBQ Flavors

This cheesy taco pasta skillet combines savory ground beef with taco spices, tender pasta, and melted cheddar for a rich, satisfying dinner. Cook onions and garlic to build flavor, then simmer pasta with tomatoes and broth until tender. Stir in cheddar cheese and sour cream for a creamy finish. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added brightness. Ideal for quick weeknights, this one-pan dish balances bold and creamy textures for a comforting, family-friendly meal.

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Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:44:00 GMT
A steaming skillet of Cheesy Taco Pasta showcasing melted cheese and savory ground beef. Save
A steaming skillet of Cheesy Taco Pasta showcasing melted cheese and savory ground beef. | bitegrill.com

A one-pan family-friendly dish blending the bold flavors of tacos with creamy cheesy pasta for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

I first made cheesy taco pasta skillet for my kids on a hectic Wednesday evening and it became an instant favorite. It&s so simple to whip up and full of comforting flavors everyone loves.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef (or ground turkey): 1 lb (450 g)
  • Onion: 1 small, diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Taco seasoning: 2 tbsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Short pasta (rotini, penne, or shells): 2 cups (8 oz / 225 g), uncooked
  • Diced tomatoes with green chilies: 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g), undrained
  • Chicken or beef broth: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml), low-sodium
  • Tomato sauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups (170 g), shredded
  • Sour cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Optional Garnish: Chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes

Instructions

Brown meat:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat cook ground beef until browned breaking it apart as it cooks (about 4–5 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté aromatics:
Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add seasonings:
Stir in taco seasoning salt and black pepper mixing well to coat the beef.
Add pasta and liquids:
Mix in uncooked pasta canned tomatoes (including juices) broth and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
Simmer:
Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–14 minutes stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Add cheese:
Turn off heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Finish with sour cream:
Fold in sour cream until well combined.
Serve:
Serve hot garnished with cilantro green onions or diced tomatoes if desired.
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| bitegrill.com

My family loves gathering around the table for this hearty cheesy meal especially with a sprinkle of fresh garnishes on top. It&s one of those dinners that brings everyone together with smiles.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this skillet with a crisp side salad or tortilla chips for extra crunch. A cold Mexican lager or a fruity red wine makes a great pairing too.

Allergen Tips

This recipe contains dairy and wheat. Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream plus gluten-free pasta for allergy-friendly alternatives.

Nutrition Facts

One serving contains roughly 550 calories 27 g fat 45 g carbohydrates and 32 g protein.

Creamy Cheesy Taco Pasta with a vibrant mix of pasta shapes and colorful diced tomatoes. Save
Creamy Cheesy Taco Pasta with a vibrant mix of pasta shapes and colorful diced tomatoes. | bitegrill.com

This skillet is perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy leftovers the next day-the flavors only get better!

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well and provides a lighter alternative without compromising flavor.

→ What pasta types work best in this skillet?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells hold sauce well and cook evenly in the skillet.

→ How can I add extra spice to the dish?

Incorporate diced jalapeños with the onions or increase taco seasoning for a spicier profile.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely, substitute regular pasta with your preferred gluten-free short pasta varieties.

→ What garnishes complement this pasta skillet?

Chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced tomatoes add freshness and texture.

Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

Creamy cheesy pasta blended with taco seasonings and ground beef for a hearty one-pan meal.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Ethan Walker


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American-Mexican Fusion

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Meats

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

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 1 small onion, diced
02 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tbsp taco seasoning
02 1/2 tsp salt
03 1/4 tsp black pepper

Pantry

01 2 cups uncooked short pasta (8 oz / 225 g), such as rotini, penne, or shells
02 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
03 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth (360 ml)
04 1/2 cup tomato sauce (120 ml)

Dairy

01 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (170 g)
02 1/2 cup sour cream (120 ml)

Garnish (optional)

01 Chopped fresh cilantro
02 Sliced green onions
03 Diced tomatoes

Method

Phase 01

Brown the Meat: Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking into crumbles, about 4–5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Phase 02

Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Phase 03

Season the Meat: Incorporate taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture. Stir well to ensure even coating.

Phase 04

Combine Pasta and Liquids: Add uncooked pasta, canned tomatoes with juices, broth, and tomato sauce. Stir to mix all ingredients thoroughly.

Phase 05

Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Phase 06

Incorporate Cheese: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.

Phase 07

Add Sour Cream: Fold sour cream into the skillet mixture until evenly combined.

Phase 08

Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, optionally topped with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced tomatoes as desired.

Tools needed

  • Large deep skillet with lid
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about sensitivities.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese, sour cream) and wheat (pasta). May contain soy depending on seasoning and broth ingredients. Check product labels carefully.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 550
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 32 g