Description
Creamy Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Skillet is a one-pan dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, rich cheese, and bold taco spices. This comforting family meal is quick, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked medium pasta (shells, rotini, or penne)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with juices
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, extra cheese, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if needed and sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add uncooked pasta, beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Reduce heat to very low and stir in sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with desired toppings and serve warm directly from the skillet.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
- Increase chili powder or add cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg