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Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet Recipe Perfect for Picky Eaters

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A quick and comforting skillet dish combining taco-seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and elbow macaroni, perfect for picky eaters and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 170g), sharp or mild
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (mild for picky eaters)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside. (Tip: Rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking if not combining immediately.)
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Toss in minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with your spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), and 1 cup tomato sauce. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese and ½ cup milk. Stir continuously until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Add more milk if sauce is too thick.
  6. Fold cooked elbow macaroni into the skillet. Mix gently to coat noodles evenly with cheesy taco sauce. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover skillet with a lid. Let cheese melt for a couple of minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest for a couple minutes to thicken. Add optional toppings like sliced green onions or diced avocado if desired.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and shredded cheese with dairy-free alternatives. For gluten-free, use brown rice or chickpea pasta. Avoid overcooking pasta to keep it al dente. Let cream cheese come to room temperature before adding to avoid clumps. Resist stirring too much after adding cheese to form a cheesy crust. Adjust seasoning to taste before final step.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta, cheesy pasta skillet, picky eaters, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, ground beef pasta, Tex-Mex pasta

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/easy-cheesy-taco-pasta-skillet-recipe-perfect-for-picky-eaters/