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One-Pan Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake

One-Pan Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake
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One-Pan Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake is a quick and easy meal combining hearty pasta, seasoned ground meat, and melty cheese all cooked together in one skillet. This savory, cheesy dish delivers classic taco flavors with comforting pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Base

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

Seasonings and Liquids

  • 1 packet (about 2 tbsp) taco seasoning mix
  • 2 cups beef broth or water

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Chopped green onions
  • Avocado slices
  • Chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Aromatics and Meat: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add Seasoning and Tomatoes: Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the cooked meat and stir well to coat. Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies along with their juices and mix to combine thoroughly.
  3. Stir in Pasta and Broth: Add dry pasta to the skillet and pour in beef broth or water just enough to cover the ingredients. Stir gently to ensure pasta is submerged evenly.
  4. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  5. Top with Cheese and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the pasta mixture. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes to set. Add optional garnishes such as sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado slices, or cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Use an oven-safe skillet to streamline cooking and cleanup.
  • Do not overcook the pasta during simmering; it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Balance the amount of broth carefully to avoid sogginess or undercooked pasta.
  • Let the bake rest a few minutes after baking to let flavors meld and cheese firm up.
  • Double the recipe for larger groups or meal prep to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, taco pasta bake, cheesy, ground beef, taco seasoning, easy dinner, family meal, weeknight recipe, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/one-pan-cheesy-taco-pasta-bake/