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One Pan Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 52 reviews

This One Pan Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and comforting weeknight meal that combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a melty cheddar cheese finish. With a zesty tomato and Rotel sauce base, this dish infuses taco flavors into a hearty pasta skillet, making it perfect for busy dinners when you want minimal cleanup without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasoning and Sauces

  • 1 ounce taco seasoning
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 10 ounces Rotel (undrained)
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Pasta and Cheese

  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells (uncooked)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: In a large heavy-bottomed skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef and begin breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the beef just starts to brown, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add onion, garlic, and seasoning: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well. Continue cooking until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Combine sauce and pasta: Pour in the tomato sauce, undrained Rotel, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly. Add the uncooked pasta shells and mix so they are submerged in the liquid.
  4. Simmer pasta: Cover the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a vigorous simmer. Cook covered for 9 to 12 minutes, stirring often and scraping the bottom to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is tender.
  5. Finish with cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Using Rotel adds a nice spicy tomato kick, but you can substitute with diced tomatoes if preferred.
  • For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or milk along with the cheese.
  • This dish can be made with ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: taco pasta, one pan recipe, cheesy pasta, ground beef skillet, quick dinner, Rotel pasta, taco seasoning pasta

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/one-pan-cheesy-taco-pasta-recipe/