Skillet Taco Pasta Shells
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Skillet Taco Pasta Shells
Description
Skillet Taco Pasta Shells begin by browning ground turkey or beef with salt, pepper, onion, and garlic or their powdered forms in a large skillet. After draining excess fat, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salsa verde, rinsed pinto beans, chili powder, oregano, pasta shells, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar are added. The mixture simmers gently while stirring to prevent sticking until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
The cooked meat is stirred back in, then sharp cheddar cheese is sprinkled on top. Covering the pan lets the cheese melt evenly, creating a creamy topping. Fresh cilantro scattered on the finished dish adds fresh herbal notes that complement the rich, spiced sauce.
This dish blends taco seasoning and pasta for a one-pan meal that balances meatiness, spice, and creamy cheese. Optional toppings such as sour cream, olives, and salsa can be added to personalize each serving and add varied textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey or ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder or 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder finely minced, or 2 cloves garlic
- 1 (14.5-ounce) (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup salsa verde green salsa or green enchilada sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) (15-ounce) can pinto beans rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- 2 ½ cups pasta shells medium
- 1 ⅓ cup chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded sharp
- cilantro fresh, for sprinkling
- sour cream olives and salsa for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large, 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey or beef, salt, pepper, onion (or onion powder), and garlic (or garlic powder), stirring every once in a while to break the meat into small pieces. Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess grease and scrape the meat mixture to a paper towel-lined plate.
- To the skillet add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salsa verde, pinto beans, chili powder, oregano, pasta shells, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring often to make sure the pasta isn't sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked ground meat and top with the shredded cheese. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to let the cheese melt. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. The sauce will thicken as it rests.
- Serve with sour cream, olives, and salsa, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 462kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 61mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 918mg | 38% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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