This super tasty taco skillet, is full of ground beef, pasta and heaps of cheesy flavor!
With just a handful of ingredients, this creamy pasta dish is a family favorite. In less than 30 minutes, plates will be piled high with piping hot cheesy goodness!
Easy One-Pot Meal
This meal is made in just one pot meaning that both cooking and cleanup are so simple.
This skillet can be easily modified to suit any family’s preferences. There’s no need to make a trip to the store, just grab a few ingredients from the cupboard, and get cooking!
The fact that it tastes like delicious homemade tacos with none of the fuss makes it even better.
Ingredients & Variations
GROUND BEEF Beef can be easily subbed out for ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, just cook up some lentils to add instead of meat! Season with taco seasoning.
CHEESE Velveeta cheese is one of those that adds creamy comfort to meals! If you don’t have (or want to use) Velveeta, add in some cream cheese and handful of any other favorites like cheddar, nacho, jalapeno jack, or marble.
SALSA Salsa pulls the whole thing together, and eliminates the need to cut onions! Use your favorite store-bought salsa or try this homemade salsa or a can or drained tomatoes with chilis (like Rotel).
PASTA This taco skillet recipe calls for pasta and any medium pasta will do! I love the way the cheese clings in the spirals of rotini so it’s my first choice in this recipe.
How to Make a Cheesy Taco Skillet
There are just a few steps to this (and only one pan needed).
- Brown the meat and drain any fat.
- Add the seasonings, pasta, water and salsa. Simmer until pasta is tender (no need to drain).
- Stir in the cheese until melted and creamy.
That’s all there is to it. For extra flavor, sprinkle with your favorite taco toppings!
Tips for a Perfect Pasta Skillet
Skillets always taste great, but we got some tips that make sure it’s perfect!
- I use lean ground beef in this recipe (80/20). Be sure to drain any fat before adding the pasta.
- The pasta cooks with the beef in water and salsa and there is no need to drain.
- You may need to add a bit more water, you want it to be a little bit saucy before adding the Velveeta.
- Vegetables can be added in the last little bit of cooking the pasta. Peppers and corn are great in this recipe.
- Cube the cheese to make melting easier. If substituting the Velveeta, add in some cream cheese for a creamy sauce along with some shredded cheeses for flavor.
For leftovers, seal in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight, and serve with biscuits, cheesy breadsticks, or inside taco shells!
Easy Pasta Skillet Recipes
- Cheesy Skillet Lasagna – the best shortcut lasagna recipe
- Beef Taco Pasta Skillet – a fiesta of flavors!
- Chili Mac Skillet – 30 min meal!
- Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta – easy weeknight meal
- Easy Lasagna – made in a skillet!
- Fusilli with Meat Sauce – quick & easy to prepare
Did you love this Cheesy Taco Skillet? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Cheesy Taco Skillet
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 ¾ cups water
- ¾ cup salsa
- 3 ½ cups medium pasta such as penne or rotini, uncooked
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese cut into ½-inch cubes
Instructions
- Brown ground beef until no pink remains. Drain fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning.
- Add water, salsa, and pasta. Bring to a boil reduce heat and cover.
- Simmer 10 minutes or until pasta is tender adding more water if needed.
- Once pasta is tender, add cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
Notes
- I use lean ground beef in this recipe (80/20). Be sure to drain any fat before adding the pasta.
- The pasta cooks with the beef in water and salsa and there is no need to drain.
- You may need to add a bit more water, you want it to be a little bit saucy before adding the Velveeta.
- Vegetables can be added in the last little bit of cooking the pasta. Peppers and corn are great in this recipe.
- Cube the cheese to make melting easier. If substituting the Velveeta, add in some cream cheese for a creamy sauce along with some shredded cheeses for flavor.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
Just made this for the first time today. It OUTSTANDING!!
So happy to hear that, Shawn. Enjoy!
I ended up doubling the the spice because I like a lot of flavor. I also doubled the Velveeta because it looked to liquid to me and I was impatient
Is the nutrition information provided per 1 serving?
Yes Jen, it is for one serving :)
Quick, easy ingredients and family friendly!
Can I double this recipe and use a pot instead of a skillet? I’m always unsure about doubling recipes some turn out and some don’t. Thanks
While I haven’t tried doubing this recipe, I think that would work. I’d suggest stirring half way through since there will be more pasta. Let us know how it goes if you tyr it Kristen!
Love these recipes! Easy, normal food and the recipes always turn out great! Thank you Holly!
Thank you Sylbarlow, I’m so glad you’ve loved them!
We made this tonight, and it was very tasty. My 13 yr old daughter was the cook, and the recipe was easy for her to follow. I think we will be having this again sometime soon.
I’m so glad your family loved this Bobbie!
We don’t have velveeta in the UK but I subbed it for 200g philadelphia and 100g cheddar/red leicester and it was perfectly velvety and smooth. I discovered your website recently and have cooked a fair few of your recipes and they have all been winners! Yet another one to add to my repertoire.
Thank you for sharing your substitution Kate. Sounds great! And we’re glad you found us too
Made this with chicken and fajita seasoning because i didn’t have beef and taco spice. but it was amazing. This may go in the picky little eaters favorite list and she usually hates everthing that isn’t a hotdog.
Made this for supper last night and it was a hit! I made it with gluten free noodles and had a can of Rotel that needed to be used so I used that in place of some of the salsa! But such a delicious dish. So happy to have leftovers to enjoy this week! SWP Employee
A “TACO” is a fried corn tortilla, filled with various mixtures, such as seasoned meat, beans, cheese, etc., then folded. This definition does not apply to your recipe at all.
Ummm I’m gonna try this recipe tonite, sounds tasty. Thanks to “Pin it” recipe I found on line. Thanks!!
This is my kind of dinner – cheesy, taco, one pot easy!
This looks like the most fabulous dinner recipe!! Totally putting it on my to-do list!
I am loving how easy this meal is to make!! My kids love those Velveeta Shells, so this would be perfect!
This one is great for kids!
I love how quick and easy this dish is! And I love how cheesy it is. Velveeta is great in meals like this! So creamy and delicious.
I agree Erin, love how creamy Velveeta Shells & Cheese are!
I am SO down for anything that can be made in ONE POT because I am the worlds laziest food blogger and hate ALL THE DISHES. Plus, anything with Taco in the name is a winner! Pinned!
LOL! I hear ya… those dishes are killer!
Oh man this is one delicious looking skillet! It’s just screams flavorful!
Thank you!! :)
Jalapeno velveeta?! That just has game day written all over it. This looks fabulous!
Thanks Des! It’s so good!
Dear Holly, What a gorgeous one dish meal! I have several recipes that use Velveeta that everyone in our house loves. Can’t wait to try this delicious one pot meal!
Thank you Allie!