Taco Pasta Skillet

I’ve just been over here working full time, doing freelance gigs, traveling, and growing a baby… didn’t mean to neglect this favorite little internet space of mine, but life has been busy.

Excuses aside… I’m comin’ in hot today with an amazingly tasty and quick taco pasta skillet recipe that combines two of my favorite things… tacos and pasta!

You down with that combo?! Sounds kinda weird? Well, let’s discuss… we’ve got all the taco spices like paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper smothered all over ground beef and roasted corn that we then mix with egg noodles.

I used my fave al dente noodles and tomato sauce altogether in one skillet. Top that skillet off with a whole bunch of shredded cheese, then bake it into ooey-gooey deliciousness.

Sounds like heaven, right? Agreed yo. There’s nothing more to discuss other than the recipe… so after no further ado, the recipe (well, three pics first, then the recipe lol)

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tsps paprika
• 2 tsps chile powder
• 2 tsps cumin
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 10-oz bag frozen corn, cooked according to package instructions
• 8 oz Al Dente Golden Egg Bonnetti (or small noodle of choice), cooked according to package instructions
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small shallot, minced
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 8 oz shredded Mexican cheese
• toppings: pico de gallo, sliced green onions, sour cream, minced cilantro, avocado slices, diced jalapeño

How to make Taco Pasta Skillet

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Step 2:

Whisk together paprika through garlic powder in a small bowl.

Step 3:

Cook frozen corn and pasta according to package instructions.

Step 4:

Heat olive oil in a large, deep, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pan, then sauté for about 5-6 minutes, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Next, stir in the minced shallot and seasonings from step two, then cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Step 5:

Reduce heat to medium-low, mix in the tomato sauce, then simmer for about 10 minutes. Once the mixture has thickened, stir in the cooked pasta and corn until fully incorporated. Top pasta with shredded cheese, then bake in the oven for about 6 minutes or until cheese has melted.

Step 6:

Remove from heat and top with desired toppings like pico de gallo, sliced green onions, sour cream, minced cilantro, avocado slices, and/or diced jalapeño, then enjoy!

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl (small)
• Large oven-safe skillet
• Stove
• Oven
• Spoon or spatula
• Pot to cook pasta
• Pot to cook frozen corn (if needed)
• Strainer (for draining pasta or corn)
• Knife and cutting board (for shallots and toppings)
• Oven mitts

WHAT TO EAT WITH THIS TACO PASTA SKILLET

Taco Pasta Skillet has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight meals. It’s hearty and comes together in one pan, which means fewer dishes for me after dinner.

I added a little extra noodles to bulk it up, and it was just perfect. The kids loved it and even asked to take some for lunch the next day. I served it with guacamole and tortilla chips, a bright street corn salad, and some skillet quesadillas I threw together with leftover cheese.

For dessert, we had churro bites dusted in cinnamon sugar, and that really sealed the meal. I also had some extra ingredients left, so I used them the next night to make Pineapple Chicken Enchiladas.

They’re perfect way to change things up without making a totally new grocery list. Meals like this save me during busy weeks.

FAQs

What is taco pasta skillet made of?

It’s made with ground beef, corn, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese.

What does taco pasta skillet taste like?

It tastes cheesy and a little spicy, like a taco and a bowl of pasta mixed together!

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes.

Is this Taco Pasta Skillet spicy?

Add jalapeños if you want more spice or leave them out for less.

Can I make Taco Pasta Skillet ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything except the toppings.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

You can use a regular pan for cooking, then transfer everything to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking.

Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?

Yes.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Skip the ground beef and use black beans.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes.

Can kids help make this recipe?

They can mix the seasonings and sprinkle cheese.