Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my cheesy taco pasta skillet! This dish has become my go-to for those busy weeknights when I need something quick, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying. Picture this: tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a melty blend of cheese all cooked in one skillet. It’s a breeze to whip up, and the best part? It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish! I remember the first time I made it for my family; the kids couldn’t get enough, and I felt like a rock star chef. Trust me, once you try this cheesy delight, it’ll become a staple in your weeknight rotation. You’ll love how it brings everyone together around the table for a cozy, flavorful meal!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni
- 1 lb. ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken if you prefer)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for a fresh, crisp topping)
How to Prepare Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet
- Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, so don’t overdo it! Once ready, drain it and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat it over medium heat and brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, letting those delicious flavors develop. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes (with all their juices), and beef broth. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
- Bring the mixture to a boil—oh, that smell is heavenly! Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will let all those flavors meld together.
- Now, add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir gently to combine it all. Make sure the pasta is well coated in that flavorful sauce.
- It’s time for the star of the show! Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until everything is melted and creamy. This is where the magic really happens!
- Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top before serving. They add a lovely crunch and freshness. And there you have it—your cheesy taco pasta skillet is ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up in just 30 minutes!
- One-pan dish means less cleanup—yes, please!
- Flavor-packed with taco seasoning, cheese, and tomatoes.
- Kid-approved and perfect for the whole family.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or add-ins!
Tips for Success
For the best cheesy taco pasta skillet, make sure to cook the macaroni just until al dente; it will continue to cook when mixed with the beef. If you want to spice things up, try adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet! And don’t forget, you can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even add in some black beans for a vegetarian twist. Yum!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to mix up your cheesy taco pasta skillet! For a lighter option, try using ground turkey or even shredded chicken. If you want to sneak in some veggies, add in chopped bell peppers or zucchini while browning the meat. Feeling adventurous? Swap the elbow macaroni for a different pasta shape like penne or fusilli. You can even toss in some corn or black beans for added texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the microwave for a minute or two, stirring halfway through, until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems dry. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little heads-up: the nutritional information for this cheesy taco pasta skillet can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I do my best to provide accurate values, they’re not set in stone. So, if you’re tracking macros or have dietary concerns, feel free to adjust according to your needs. Cooking should be fun, and you’re in control of what goes into your dish!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cheesy taco pasta skillet ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to eat!
What can I use instead of ground beef?
No problem! You can easily swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute to suit your preferences.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn can be great additions. Just toss them in while cooking the beef to soften them up.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This cheesy taco pasta skillet is perfect for meal prep. Just divide it into portions and store them in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners.
Can I freeze leftovers?
You can! Just store the cheesy taco pasta in a freezer-safe container. It should last up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet: 30-Minute Family Favorite
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A quick and easy cheesy taco pasta skillet perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Mix in the cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy.
- Top with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef.
- Add your favorite toppings like jalapeños or avocado.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 24g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 12g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 38g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: cheesy taco pasta skillet
