If you’ve been wondering how to jazz up a pound of ground beef and a half box of pasta, this easy one-pot recipe has you covered! It’s easy, ready in less than 30 minutes, and full of tons of flavor. This is such a great dish for busy weeknights since it’s ready quickly, and because it’s made in just one skillet, cleanup is a breeze! No need to boil pasta separately and then drain pasta. This cheesy taco pasta recipe is a one skillet wonder! It’s also great for game day parties because no one can resist two types of melted cheese along with the Tex-Mex seasoned ground beef and perfectly cooked pasta. To give this easy pasta skillet some pizzazz and touch of heat (and so that it deserves the Tex-Mex name) I used a can of Rotel which is just canned diced tomatoes with green chiles. I used Original but they also have mild and spicier versions. Along with that, I used a small can of fire-roasted diced green chiles along and a packet of taco seasoning so there’s no skimping on layers of flavors. If you like this recipe, make sure to check out my 30-Minute Southwestern Pasta and Ground Beef Skillet and my One Pot Beef Taco Pasta. Today’s recipe is a hybrid blend of those two recipes incorporating elements and flavors from both.
Ingredients in Tex Mex Pasta
For the Tex-Mex inspired ground beef shell pasta skillet, you’ll need the following common and easy to find fridge and pantry ingredients: But I have readers who like things on the milder side and if that’s you, make sure to swap the can of Rotel for a can of petite diced tomatoes, use a can of mild green chiles, mild taco seasoning, and Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese rather than Pepper Jack. With those modifications, you should be fine – no fire alarms. If you’re a spicy food lover like me, make sure to use original or versions of the canned goods and taco seasoning labeled as ‘spicy’. If that’s not enough, 1 teaspoon of dried chili flakes sprinkled in with the shredded cheese works, and if you really want to get crazy, a pinch of cayenne pepper is your ticket.
Ground beef – I use 90% lean ground beef because it’s a nice balance between having enough fat (flavor) that the ultra-lean versions don’t have contrasted with fattier ground beef which may result in you having to drain excess grease from your skillet Onion Garlic Reduced sodium beef broth – reduced sodium chicken broth may be substiuted Canned petite diced tomatoes with green chiles – such as Original Rotel or similar. I used Original but there are mild/spicy versions Canned diced green chiles – I used fire-roasted mild Ortega but use what you like. Make sure to note there are two sizes commonly sold (4 oz and 7 oz) and I opted for the smaller Taco seasoning – mild, normal/original, spicy are all fine depending on your preference Uncooked pasta Shredded cheddar cheese – grate it yourself from a block for easiest melting Shredded Pepper Jack cheese – Monterey Jack or mozzarella work well too Jalapeño, optional for garnishing but recommended for Tex-Mex flavor Cilantro, cherry tomatoes, green onions, dollop of sour cream, or other favorites for garnishing, optional
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make Tex-Mex Pasta in One Pot
Making this one skillet pasta recipe with seasoned ground beef and common fridge and pantry ingredients is a cinch. Here’s an overview of what you’ll do. Depending on if you’re serving this pasta salad as a stand-alone dish for a quick lunch or easy weeknight dinner versus serving it at a little get-together in your backyard or as part of your menu for a game day, you can decide if you may want to serve it with a salad, beans, another protein, or just grab some tortilla chips and salsa. It’s a casual dish that pairs well with most anything! Freeze It: This recipe will keep airtight in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and after it’s come to room temperature, you can warm it up. To Reheat: I use my microwave for quickness and ease and reheat my leftovers for about 30 seconds on high, or as needed. But you can use your stove or oven, whatever is best suited for you.
More Mexican-Inspired Recipes Using Ground Beef:
Southwestern Pasta & Ground Beef Skillet — EASY, family friendly, ready in 30 minutes, and COMFORT FOOD at its best!! Ground beef, PASTA, black beans, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and CHEESE for a Southwestern flair! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Beef Taco Pasta Skillet – An EASY recipe that’s ready in 20 minutes, made in ONE skillet, and loaded with Mexican-inspired flavors!! A family favorite that’s great for busy weeknights!! One Skillet Ground Beef Taco Pasta – An easy recipe that’s ready in 20 minutes, made in one skillet, and loaded with Mexican-inspired flavors! A family favorite that’s great for busy weeknights! One-Skillet Tex Mex Mac and Cheese — An EASY recipe that’s made in ONE skillet so you don’t have to cook the pasta separately!! Loaded with ground beef, peppers, tomatoes, cheese, and cilantro! 15-Minute Cowboy Beef and Rice Skillet – An EASY comfort food recipe with just 5 main ingredients made with everyday staples!! Juicy beef, tender rice, and just the right amount of kick from the salsa make this an automatic FAMILY FAVORITE!! Loaded Beef Taco Salad with Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing – Loaded with your favorite taco fixings, minus the shells, to keep things healthier without sacrificing any flavor! The dressing is easy, creamy and irresistible! Loaded Smothered Beef Burritos Recipe – Mexican comfort food that’s loaded with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, rice, and smothered with sauce and CHEESE! Loaded Skillet Nachos with Beef — EASY, ready in 15 minutes, and LOADED with taco-seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, cilantro, and lots of CHEESE!!
