Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet

$- 2 cups uncooked pasta - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 2 cups beef or chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish When I make Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet, I gather all my ingredients first. This makes cooking smooth and fun. I love using any pasta shape, but I often choose shells or penne. The ground meat is the star, so I pick either beef or turkey based on what I have. Taco seasoning adds great flavor, and the tomatoes bring a nice kick. Black beans and corn add fiber and color. I always make sure to rinse the beans to keep them fresh. I use broth instead of water for a richer taste. Cheeses are key; I mix cheddar and Monterey Jack for creaminess. Olive oil keeps the meat from sticking. I season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. I like to add fresh cilantro or green onions at the end for a bright touch. For the full recipe, check out the instructions later. Happy cooking! To start, gather all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier and faster. You will need pasta, ground beef, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, broth, cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Having everything ready helps you stay organized. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add the ground beef and season it with salt and pepper. 3. Cook the meat until it turns brown, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spoon to break it apart. 4. Mix in the taco seasoning and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. This helps the spices bloom. 5. Pour in the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and broth. Stir everything to mix well. 6. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then add the uncooked pasta. 7. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Cook according to the pasta package, usually about 10-12 minutes. 8. Check if the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. 9. Once cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper if you like. Turn off the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps it thicken a bit. Serve your cheesy taco pasta hot. Top it with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, check out the provided link. To boost the cheese factor, add more cheese! You can mix in an extra cup of shredded cheese right before serving. Try using a blend of cheeses for more flavor. Mixing cheeses can create a creamier and richer taste. Consider using pepper jack for a bit of heat or cream cheese for extra creaminess. Timing is key for perfect pasta. Always cook your pasta al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. If you cook it too long, it can become mushy. Follow the package directions closely. Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking. Adding a pinch of salt to the water helps flavor the pasta. To make your taco pasta even tastier, consider adding fresh lime juice. A squeeze of lime brightens the dish. You can also toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra flavor. Try adding jalapeños for heat or diced bell peppers for sweetness. If you prefer a smokier taste, use smoked paprika or chipotle powder. These small tweaks can give your dish a unique twist. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily turn this dish into a vegetarian meal. Instead of using ground beef or turkey, try black beans or lentils. These options are packed with protein. For added flavor, mix in diced bell peppers and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef. The taco seasoning brings all the flavors together. This version is just as cheesy and satisfying! If you need a gluten-free option, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many types available, like rice or quinoa pasta. Make sure to check the taco seasoning to ensure it's gluten-free. You can use corn tortillas, chopped into strips, instead of pasta for a fun twist. This simple change allows everyone to enjoy the meal without worry. For those who love heat, spice things up! Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the skillet. You can also mix in diced chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor. Consider using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra kick. This spicy version will make your taste buds tingle. Enjoy the bold flavors while keeping it easy and fun! You can find the full recipe above and explore these variations for your next family meal. To store your cheesy taco pasta, let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well, so it does not dry out. Keeping it in smaller portions helps with quick meals later. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, you can reheat them easily. Use the microwave for quick heating. Put your pasta in a bowl and cover it with a lid or wrap. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. If you want to use the stove, warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. You can freeze this dish for later meals as well. Use a freezer-safe container and store it for up to three months. To serve later, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy your cheesy taco pasta whenever you want! Check the full recipe for more details on making this delicious dish. Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne, rotini, or even shells work well. Each type adds its own texture and fun. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Follow the package instructions for best results. You can make this dish lighter by swapping ground beef for lean turkey or chicken. Use whole wheat or veggie pasta for added nutrients. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini. These simple swaps keep flavor while boosting health. Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can cook it and store it in the fridge for about three days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to freeze it, let it cool first. Store in an airtight container. Enjoy it later for an easy meal. For the full recipe, check the details above! Cheesy taco pasta skillet is an easy and tasty meal. You saw the key ingredients, how to cook them, and tips to make it tastier. Remember, you can also try veggie or spicy versions for a twist. Storing leftovers is simple, so you can enjoy this dish later. With these steps and tricks, making a cheesy meal becomes fun and rewarding. Enjoy serving it to family or friends. I hope you feel ready to make your own cheesy taco pasta skillet!$

Get ready to impress your taste buds with this Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet! This one-pan dish is packed with flavor, featuring pasta, seasoned ground beef, black beans, and a mix of gooey cheeses that create a creamy and satisfying meal. It's quick to make in just 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your dinner game today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked pasta (any shape you prefer)

1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)

1 packet taco seasoning

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

2 cups beef or chicken broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).

Stir in the taco seasoning and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.

Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, corn, and broth to the skillet. Stir to combine everything well.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the uncooked pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook according to pasta package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.

Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6