January 5, 2025

One-Skillet Taco Pasta

Name: One-Skillet Taco Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped; 1 small red bell pepper, diced small; 1-2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 (1) ounce low-sodium taco seasoning packet, or 3 tablespoons prepared taco seasoning; 1 cup mild taco sauce; 2 3/4 cups beef broth; 1 (15) ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed; 3 cups uncooked whole grain, medium pasta shells; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup 2% or higher plain, Greek yogurt (or use sour cream); green onion slices to garnish; fresh chopped cilantro to garnish

One-Skillet Taco Pasta was made for busy families. This healthy meal comes together fast and easy, in one-pan, which makes dinner time a breeze. Hearty, whole grain noodles, cook with lean ground beef, broth, taco sauce, seasonings, black beans, and plenty of cheese. It’s creamy, nutritious, and delicious!

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Table Of Contents:

What You’ll Love About One-Skillet Taco Pasta:

Easy one-pan meal
Perfect recipe for busy families
Kid and adult friendly means the whole family will love this one
Simple, everyday ingredients
Healthy and packed with protein and whole grains
30-minute dinner

We are sharing another one-skillet meal I promise will have everyone coming back for seconds. This recipe is healthy but it also serves to please your comfort food cravings without the guilt.

My husband and my daughter both love taco inspired pasta meals. My Skillet Taco Mac has been a standing favorite for many years. I thought it would be nice to have a heartier and healthier version that is equally delicious and nutritious.

Unlike a lot of Mexican inspired pasta meals that use traditional white pasta, this One-Skillet Taco Pasta uses whole grain pasta. This adds a boost of nutrients we wouldn’t get otherwise.

I also use extra lean ground beef to cut down on the fat, along with veggies and beans for fiber. I finish with a little cheese and Greek yogurt, which offers less calories and a additional protein.

The best part about this meal is it comes together in 30-minutes and you only need one-pan. This means a fast dinner with minimal clean-up. Always my kind of recipe during the dinner hour!

This is a meal I feel super good about feeding my family and myself. I think you will too!

Simple Ingredients:

Ingredients list for one-skillet taco pasta. Ground beef, onions, red bell peppers, black beans, taco sauce, taco seasoning, tomato paste, whole grain medium pasta shells, cilantro, Greek yogurt, garlic, cheddar cheese, beef broth

Ground beef- I use lean ground beef which is great if you’re trying to cut down on a few extra calories but still want rich beefy flavor.
Aromatics- Onions, red bell peppers, and garlic. Offers depth of flavor.
Tomato paste- This adds a burst of tomato flavor and enhances the overall dish.
Taco seasoning- I use a low-sodium taco packet from the grocery store for convenience.
Beef stock- This will help cook the pasta and also add additional beef flavor.
Taco Sauce- I like to use mild taco sauce. Use the brand you love.
Beans- Black beans are tender and offer great texture. Did you know that black beans also have more antioxidants than other common beans.
Cheese- I use a little cheddar cheese because you just have to. It adds richness and cheesy flavor.
Greek yogurt- I opted for Greek yogurt to cut down on the fat and calories, and honestly, I don’t notice any difference from sour cream. It makes the pasta super creamy and yummy.
Optional toppings- I love to garnish with green onion slices and fresh cilantro. It gives the pasta some freshness.

Substitutions:

Meat- If you don’t want to use ground beef, ground turkey or chicken would work just fine. I would still use the beef stock so the overall dish has depth of flavor.
Pasta- Use any medium shape pasta you like. I would not recommend gluten-free pasta for this recipe.
Veggies- This is a great recipe to sneak in other veggies. Finely chopped carrots or celery would work well, or even a handful of chopped spinach. They’ll never know!
Beans- If you prefer using other beans, kidney, pinto, or navy white beans are great options.
Cheese- Other cheese options include, pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend from the grocery store for convenience.

How To Make One-Skillet Taco Pasta:

See full instructions in recipe card below

Step One. In a large skillet with a fitted lid cook ground beef and crumble until no longer pink, then add onions, peppers, and garlic. Sauté until veggies are tender.

Ground beef cooked with peppers, onions, and garlic for one-skillet taco pasta.

Step Two. Stir in tomato paste and taco seasoning, then add taco sauce, beef stock, black beans, and pasta. Stir and bring to a medium boil. Place the lid on loosely, just slightly off set, and cook the pasta for 12-15 minutes, stirring a couple times in-between.

Noodles cooked with beef, onions, peppers, garlic, beef stock, taco sauce and black beans. Added cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt.

Step Three. When the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and add cheese and yogurt. Stir until creamy and garnish with Green onions and cilantro.

One-skillet taco pasta topped with green onions and cilantro.

Tip:

💡If your liquid evaporates too quickly and pasta needs more cooking time. If you’re pasta needs more time to cook but there isn’t enough liquid, add a 1/4-1/2 cup more beef stock or water to finish cooking the pasta. There should be little to no liquid in the pan when the pasta is finished cooking.

Common Questions:

🗨What is the best kind of pan to use for a Skillet taco pasta?

It is best to use a non-stick skillet as the pasta releases starch during the cooking process. A non-stick pan will prevent sticking and burning on the bottom.

🗨Does one-skillet taco pasta freeze well?

Yes! This recipe freezes well. Make sure to completely cool before placing in the freezer. You’ll want a sealed, freezer safe container to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.

🗨Will this still be good if I make it ahead of time?

Yes! If you’re making this one-day in advance or maybe sharing a meal with someone in need, place cooked taco pasta in a casserole dish and cover tightly with foil. You can reheat in the oven at 300℉ until warmed through.

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