Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *cheesy taco pasta skillet*! It’s like a flavor fiesta in a pan and so easy to whip up—perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something comforting yet quick. Seriously, with just one skillet, you’ll have a hearty dish that combines the savory goodness of taco seasoning, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. The best part? It’s a total crowd-pleaser! My family can’t get enough of it, and I love that it comes together in about 30 minutes. You just cook, mix, and enjoy! Trust me, once you try this cheesy taco pasta skillet, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation. Yum!
Ingredients List
To make this cheesy taco pasta skillet, you’ll need some simple yet delicious ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 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 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Chopped green onions for garnish
These ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying dish. You might even have some of these on hand already! So, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making this cheesy taco pasta skillet! I promise it’s a breeze, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring every cheesy bite in about 30 minutes!
Step 1: Cook the Elbow Macaroni
First things first, grab that elbow macaroni! Cook it according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes—until it’s al dente. You want it to be just right, so it holds up in the skillet. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside for later!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, in a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure there’s no pink left; we want it fully cooked and full of flavor!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to jazz things up! Sprinkle in that taco seasoning, then pour in the can of diced tomatoes, beef broth, and corn. Stir everything together well and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes—this lets all those flavors meld together beautifully!
Step 4: Add Macaroni and Cheesy Mixture
Finally, stir in the cooked macaroni until it’s well coated with that tasty mixture. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, mixing until everything is melted and creamy. It’ll look like a cheesy dream come true! You’re almost ready to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesy taco pasta skillet is a game-changer for weeknight dinners! Here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- It comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings!
- One skillet means easy cleanup, so you can enjoy more time with your loved ones.
- It’s packed with flavor from the taco seasoning and cheesy goodness that everyone will love.
- Versatile and customizable—add your favorite toppings like avocado or jalapeños!
- Comfort food at its finest, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on your table again and again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for this cheesy taco pasta skillet, though keep in mind these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portions:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugars: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
This dish is not only delicious but also provides a hearty serving of protein and flavor! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cheesy taco pasta skillet turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, be careful not to overcook the macaroni; you want it al dente so it holds up well in the skillet. Also, when browning the beef, ensure it’s fully cooked with no pink left to avoid any surprises! If you like a little extra heat, don’t hesitate to add more taco seasoning or some diced jalapeños while combining the ingredients. And remember, feel free to get creative with toppings—fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or even crushed tortilla chips add a delicious twist!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers of this cheesy taco pasta skillet (which is a total win!), storing it is super easy. Just let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep it creamy. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up—just cover it to prevent splatters! Trust me, it tastes just as amazing the next day!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this cheesy taco pasta skillet? I’ve got answers! Here are some common ones:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything except for the cheese and sour cream, then store it in the fridge. Just add those in when you’re ready to cook.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great for a lighter option. You can even swap in beans for a vegetarian twist!
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No problem! You can use chicken broth or even water. Just keep in mind that beef broth adds that extra depth of flavor.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stove with a little beef broth or in the microwave, covered, for a quick fix!
Enjoy your cheesy taco pasta skillet, and don’t hesitate to get creative with it!
For more information on the benefits of pasta in your diet, check out this resource.
Print
Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet: 30-Minute Flavorful Feast!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy cheesy taco pasta made in one skillet.
Ingredients
- 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 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and corn to the skillet. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked macaroni and stir to combine.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapenos or avocado.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cheesy taco pasta, skillet meals, easy dinner
