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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 dish combining hearty pasta, savory taco-seasoned ground meat, and melted sharp cheddar cheese. This Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet is perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to suit various dietary preferences, offering a flavorful and family-friendly meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta

Seasoning & Vegetables

  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder blend)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or water

Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup corn kernels
  • 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Jalapeños or hot sauce for added spice

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned and crumbly, breaking it apart to ensure even cooking. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, building the flavor base of the dish.
  3. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, stirring well to coat the meat and onions evenly. Then pour in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, allowing the mixture to absorb the classic taco flavors.
  4. Pour Pasta and Liquid: Add uncooked pasta directly to the skillet, then pour in chicken broth or water. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat to a simmer, uncovered.
  5. Cook Until Pasta is Tender: Simmer the skillet for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Stir in Cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the pasta. Stir gently until the cheese melts and forms a creamy coating over every bite.

Notes

  • Use medium heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Watch the pasta carefully to avoid overcooking and maintain a perfect tender texture.
  • Stir frequently during cooking to keep pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
  • For deeper flavor, you can toast taco seasoning with onions before adding liquids.
  • Add cheese after removing from heat for a smooth, melty finish.
  • For gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure gluten-free taco seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, taco pasta, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, family friendly, ground beef, ground turkey, gluten free option

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