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Skillet of cheesy ground beef taco pasta with cilantro and scallions, ready to serve at the table

One Pan Taco Pasta

Seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and shells simmered in a single skillet and finished with melted cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex-Mex
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil if beef is lean
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon fine salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounces medium pasta shells
  • 2 cups low sodium beef broth
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 can, 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 can, 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • 1 can, 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack blend
  • ¼ cup sour cream optional

Method
 

  1. Brown the beef in a hot skillet, undisturbed for 3 minutes.
  2. Crumble until no pink remains and it reaches 160°F, about 4 minutes. Spoon off fat beyond 2 tablespoons.
  3. Cook the onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic for 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in the seasoning and tomato paste for 1 minute until the paste turns rust colored.
  5. Add broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Scrape the pan floor.
  6. Stir in beans, corn, and shells, submerging the pasta. Bring to a bubble, lower the heat, and cover.
  7. Cook covered 10 minutes, stirring once.
  8. Uncover and cook 5 to 8 minutes until the shells are tender and the sauce leaves an open trail behind a spoon.
  9. Turn off the heat, stir in the cheese and sour cream.
  10. Rest covered for 5 minutes, then top and serve.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat with 2 tablespoons of water per serving. Freezing is not recommended.
Allergens: Contains dairy and wheat. Check labels on broth and seasoning for hidden wheat, milk, or soy.
Notes: Nutrition values are estimates based on USDA Food Data Central data.