Cheesy Mexican-Inspired Pasta Skillet

This taco pasta has become our family's ultimate weeknight dinner solution when we need comfort food with bold flavors fast. The familiar taco seasonings transform ordinary pasta into something extraordinary, creating a one-pot meal that satisfies both pasta lovers and taco enthusiasts alike.

I first created this dish during a particularly chaotic Tuesday evening when I realized I had forgotten to thaw meat for our usual taco night. With hungry kids circling the kitchen, this pasta saved dinner and has since become our most requested weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor. Choose 80/20 lean to fat ratio for the best balance of flavor and texture
• Onion and garlic: Create an aromatic base that enhances the entire dish. Fresh garlic truly makes a difference here
• Taco seasoning: Infuses authentic Mexican flavors throughout. Use store bought for convenience or make your own for controlling sodium and spice levels
• Tomato paste: Adds concentrated richness and depth. Look for tubes rather than cans for easier storage of leftovers
• Beef broth: Amplifies the meaty flavor while creating a sauce that coats each pasta piece. Choose low sodium if watching salt intake
• Medium shell pasta: Catches the sauce and meat in its curves. The medium size works perfectly with the ground beef texture
• Cheddar cheese: Brings creamy tanginess and helps bind everything together. Freshly grated melts much better than pre shredded

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Meat Mixture:

Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium high heat for about 10 minutes. Break the beef into small, consistent pieces using a wooden spoon as it cooks. The onions should become translucent and slightly golden while the beef develops a nice brown color with no pink remaining. This foundation builds tremendous flavor for the entire dish.

Create the Pasta Cooking Liquid:

Add taco seasoning, tomato paste, beef broth, and water, stirring to incorporate everything evenly. The tomato paste might resist blending at first, but keep stirring until it dissolves completely into the liquid. Cover the pan to trap steam and bring to a full, rolling boil which helps develop the flavors and prepares the liquid for cooking the pasta.

Cook the Pasta:

Add dry pasta directly to the boiling liquid, reducing heat to medium. The pasta will gradually absorb the flavorful liquid while cooking. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This takes about 10-13 minutes until pasta reaches al dente texture and most liquid reduces into a sauce consistency that coats the pasta beautifully.

Finish with Cheese:

Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent it from becoming stringy or separating. Stir thoroughly until the cheese melts completely and creates a creamy sauce that binds everything together. Taste test before adding any additional salt, as taco seasoning and broth often provide sufficient saltiness already.

Save

This dish became legendary in our house after I made it during a power outage using just our gas stove. We ate by candlelight, and something about that memorable evening made the flavors seem more magical. The kids still request our "blackout taco pasta" whenever they want something especially comforting.

Storage Tips

This taco pasta stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices fully permeate the pasta. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce if it seems dry. For freezing, portion into individual containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture results.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this simple dish into a spectacular meal by setting up a taco pasta bar with additional toppings. Offer diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. For crunch, add crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving. A side salad with lime vinaigrette or simple roasted vegetables rounds out the meal perfectly.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. For a healthier version, swap ground beef for ground turkey and whole wheat pasta for regular. Vegetarians can substitute black beans and corn for the meat. Spice lovers can add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky heat. Mediterranean inspired? Use ground lamb, feta cheese, and oregano instead of taco seasonings for a fusion twist that works surprisingly well.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?

Yes! While medium shell pasta works well because it captures the sauce and meat in its curves, you can substitute with elbow macaroni, rotini, penne, or any medium-sized pasta shape you have available. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta variety chosen.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, black beans, or a combination of chopped mushrooms and walnuts for texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The taco seasoning, pasta, and cheese components remain the same.

→ What can I use if I don't have taco seasoning?

You can make your own taco seasoning by combining 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, a pinch of salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for heat).

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead and reheated. The pasta may absorb more liquid when stored, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating. For best results, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

→ What toppings go well with taco pasta?

Enhance your taco pasta with toppings like diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice. These additions bring freshness and extra flavor that complement the savory base.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. To freeze, cool completely, store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, adding a little broth if needed to restore moisture.