Name: Beef Taco Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 1 packet taco seasoning; 2 cups beef broth; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 2 cups uncooked pasta shells; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro

A hearty and cheesy one-pan meal combining savory ground beef, tender pasta, and zesty taco seasoning for an easy weeknight dinner. This Beef Taco Pasta Skillet brings together the best of two family favorites – tacos and pasta – in one convenient dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef Taco Pasta Skillet is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It combines the bold flavors of tacos with the comfort of pasta in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes to clean. The meal comes together quickly with ingredients you likely already have on hand, and it’s incredibly versatile – perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings. Kids and adults alike love the familiar flavors, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

The BEST Beef Taco Pasta Skillet EVER!!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef provides the hearty protein base for this dish. It browns beautifully in the skillet, creating rich flavor while soaking up all the taco seasoning. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Onion adds aromatic flavor and sweetness when sautéed at the beginning. This builds a foundation of flavor that permeates the entire dish.

Taco seasoning infuses the classic Mexican spice profile throughout the dish. While a packet is convenient, you can easily make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika if you prefer to control the salt and heat levels.

Beef broth creates the flavorful cooking liquid that the pasta absorbs. It adds depth and richness that water simply can’t provide. Vegetable broth works as an alternative.

Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro-tel) bring acidity, flavor, and a touch of heat to balance the rich beef and cheese. The tomatoes also create part of the sauce that coats the pasta.

Pasta shells are ideal for this dish as their shape catches the sauce and small bits of meat. Medium shells work best, but you could substitute elbow macaroni, rotini, or any short pasta shape.

Cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the hot pasta, creating a creamy, gooey texture while adding sharp flavor that complements the taco seasoning. A Mexican cheese blend would work wonderfully too.

Olive oil is used to sauté the onions and helps prevent the beef from sticking to the pan initially. Any neutral cooking oil would work as a substitute.

Salt and pepper are essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the dish. Always taste before serving to make sure the seasoning is perfect.

Optional toppings allow everyone to customize their serving. Sour cream adds cooling creaminess, green onions bring fresh crunch, and cilantro contributes bright herbaceous notes.

Directions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the taco seasoning until the beef is evenly coated.
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine.
Add the uncooked pasta shells to the skillet, making sure they are submerged in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked.
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with your choice of toppings like sour cream, green onions, or cilantro before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner with potential leftovers. The dish comes together in just 25 minutes total – 5 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. Each serving contains approximately 485 calories, making it a satisfying main dish that won’t break your calorie bank. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad.

Variations

Vegetarian Taco Pasta: Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitute or 2 cups of black beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Spicy Taco Pasta: Add a diced jalapeño with the onions and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Top with sliced avocado to cool things down.

Chicken Taco Pasta: Substitute ground chicken for the beef and use chicken broth for a lighter variation.

Loaded Taco Pasta: Add diced bell peppers and corn with the tomatoes for extra vegetables and color.

Creamy Taco Pasta: Stir in 1/4 cup of cream cheese with the cheddar for an ultra-creamy version.

Enchilada Style: Use red enchilada sauce in place of half the beef broth for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta may absorb more of the liquid as it sits, making it less saucy but still delicious.

Freezer Storage: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers, cool completely, then freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating on Stovetop: For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water (2-3 tablespoons per portion) to revive the sauciness, and stir occasionally until heated through.

Microwave Reheating: For quick reheating, place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, add a tablespoon of water, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir and continue heating in 30-second increments until hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Yes, any short pasta shape works well. Rotini, penne, elbow macaroni, or farfalle are excellent alternatives to shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the pasta you choose.

What can I substitute for the packet of taco seasoning?

You can easily make your own taco seasoning with 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of cumin and paprika, 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt, plus 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time, then add the pasta and broth when ready to cook. For optimal texture, it’s best to add the cheese just before serving.

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in calories?

Yes, use lean ground beef (90/10) or substitute ground turkey. You can also reduce the cheese to 1 cup and increase the vegetables by adding diced bell peppers or zucchini.

My family doesn’t like spicy food. How can I make this milder?

Use regular diced tomatoes instead of those with green chilies, and choose a mild taco seasoning or make your own with less chili powder. The cheese and optional sour cream will also help temper any heat.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or spinach are excellent additions. Add firmer vegetables like peppers with the onions, and quick-cooking vegetables like spinach at the end of cooking.

What if I don’t have beef broth on hand?

Chicken broth or vegetable broth make good substitutes. In a pinch, water with a beef bouillon cube or a teaspoon of soy sauce will add flavor.

Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot?

Yes, brown the beef and onions using the sauté function, then add remaining ingredients except cheese. Cook on high pressure for half the time listed on the pasta package. Quick release, stir in cheese, and serve.

How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked in this one-pot method?

Test a piece of pasta about 2 minutes before the recommended cooking time. It should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). Remember the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.

My dish turned out too soupy/too dry. How can I fix this?

If too soupy, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. If too dry, add an extra 1/4 cup of broth or water and stir well. The consistency should be saucy but not watery.

Conclusion

This Beef Taco Pasta Skillet represents the best of convenient, family-friendly cooking. By combining two beloved comfort foods – tacos and pasta – in one skillet, you get a satisfying meal that delivers on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. The recipe’s versatility means you can easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s the kind of reliable weeknight recipe that earns its place in your regular rotation, perfect for those busy evenings when you need a hearty, homemade meal without the fuss. Whether served as is or loaded with your favorite toppings, this dish brings the joy of taco night to your table in a new, pasta-fied form that everyone will ask for again and again.