Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet Supreme

This hearty one-pan dish combines all the flavors of tacos—savory seasoned meat, sautéed vegetables, and creamy cheese—with pasta, creating a satisfying comfort food dinner perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All-in-one skillet simplicity—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Taco-inspired taste—rich taco seasoning, salsa, and cheese.
• Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals.
• Highly customizable—add beans, jalapeños, veggies, or change up the cheese.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef or turkey
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Taco seasoning
• Elbow macaroni or rotini
• Salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Water or beef broth
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend
• Optional toppings: green onions, avocado, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips

Directions

1. Brown meat & aromatics: In a large skillet, cook ground meat, onion, and garlic until meat is no longer pink; drain excess fat.
2. Season & deglaze: Stir in taco seasoning and a bit of water or broth to combine.
3. Cook the pasta: Add dry pasta, salsa, and remaining liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until pasta is tender (10–15 minutes).
4. Cheese it up: Remove lid, stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Garnish & serve: Top with green onions, avocado, sour cream, or tortilla chips as desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Use canned beans instead of meat.
• Add veggies: Stir in corn, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Spicy kick: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or cilantro.
• Cheese swap: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes—rotini, shells, or penne work well in this skillet dish.

What’s the best meat substitute?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles are great alternatives.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, when using gluten-free pasta and confirming taco seasoning is gluten-free.

How can I reduce sodium?

Use low-sodium broth, plain tomatoes, and homemade seasoning spice mix.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, cook fully, cool, and refrigerate; reheat before serving.

Should I add cheese to the skillet?

Absolutely—stir it in off-heat for creamy texture.

What toppings work well?

Try fresh cilantro, jalapeños, lime wedges, or sour cream.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes—freeze cooled portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months.

How do I make it creamier?

Add a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream when mixing in cheese.

What to serve alongside?

Serve with salad, guacamole, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet Supreme delivers comforting taco flavors in a simple, one-pan pasta dish that’s ready in 25 minutes. It’s perfect for feeding a family, easy to customize, and a sure-win for busy evenings. Enjoy the melty, savory goodness and feel free to make it your own with toppings and tweaks!

Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet Supreme

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Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet Supreme is a quick, hearty, and flavorful one-pan meal that combines taco-seasoned meat, pasta, salsa, and melty cheese into a satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni or rotini (uncooked)
• 1 1/2 cups salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 1/2 cups water or beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Optional: chopped green onions, diced avocado, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground meat with chopped onion and garlic until meat is browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of the water or broth to coat the meat.
3. Add dry pasta, salsa (or tomatoes), and remaining liquid. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Top with optional garnishes such as green onions, avocado, sour cream, or tortilla chips. Serve hot.

Notes

• Use rotini, shells, or penne if preferred.
• Add vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat all work well.
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
• Stir in cream cheese or sour cream for a creamier texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg