Ground Beef Taco Pasta Skillet

Name: Ground Beef Taco Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz); 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Rustic Collection

I love making this Ground Beef Taco Pasta Skillet when I'm short on time but still want something hearty and flavorful. The combination of ground beef, pasta, and taco seasoning creates a deliciously satisfying dish that my entire family devours. It's a one-pan meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With the gooey cheese melting on top, it feels indulgent without being overly complicated.

Created by

Loretta Winslow

Last updated on 2026-02-28T05:57:34.933Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together without sacrificing flavor. The key is to cook the ground beef until it's nicely browned before adding the taco seasoning and pasta. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. I've also customized the recipe by tossing in some black beans and corn for extra texture and nutrition.

What I love most about this dish is its versatility. You can easily swap out ground beef for ground turkey or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Pair it with a simple green salad, and dinner is ready in no time!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Quick and easy one-pan meal
Hearty and satisfying with cheesy goodness
Versatile – customize with your favorite toppings or proteins

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

The combination of ground beef and taco seasoning provides a savory, robust flavor that makes this dish irresistible. As the ground beef cooks, it releases juices that meld with the taco seasoning and tomatoes, creating a rich base. When choosing your taco seasoning, consider making your own with spices like cumin and chili powder for a custom taste, or opt for a low-sodium option if you're watching your salt intake.

The diced tomatoes add not just moisture but also acidity, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese. When incorporating the tomatoes, allow them to mix well with the beef before adding the beef broth, as this will enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Cooking Technique Tips

When browning the ground beef, ensure you break it apart into small crumbles for even cooking. A spatula or wooden spoon works well for this. Cook the meat until it’s well-browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes; this is where you develop a lot of the flavor. If you notice the edges starting to caramelize, that’s a good sign that you're on the right track.

For the pasta cooking method, remember to keep the skillet covered tightly once you reduce the heat to a simmer. This helps retain steam, cooking the pasta evenly and preventing it from becoming mushy. If the pasta seems undercooked at the end of the suggested cooking time, add a splash more beef broth and let it simmer covered for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Skillet

1 pound ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
2 cups beef broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Add Ingredients

Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and elbow macaroni. Bring mixture to a boil.

Cook the Pasta

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is tender.

Finish the Dish

Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add some jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to the mix. You can also top it with diced avocado or fresh cilantro before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers of this Ground Beef Taco Pasta Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of beef broth to bring the texture back to life.

For longer storage, this dish can be frozen in individual portions for up to 3 months. To do this, let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Customizing Your Dish

Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite toppings. Avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or diced jalapeños can add fresh, bright flavors that complement the hearty nature of the pasta. Additionally, if you're looking to boost the nutrition, consider adding cooked vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during the cooking process.

If you prefer a different protein, this recipe works well with ground turkey or chicken as lighter alternatives to beef. The same cooking times apply, but ensure the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with any short pasta such as penne or rotini.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

→ What toppings can I add?

Feel free to add sour cream, guacamole, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.