One-Skillet Cheesy Taco Pasta
If you love taco night and cheesy pasta, this Cheesy Taco Beef Pasta Skillet combines the best of both worlds. It’s made with seasoned lean ground beef, tender pasta, salsa, tomato sauce, and plenty of melty cheese.
The best part is that there’s no need to turn on the oven! Everything comes together in one skillet, and the cheese melts right on top at the end. It’s an easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
This recipe is also a lighter option thanks to lean ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, and fat-free sour cream. It’s filling, flavorful, and easy to customize with your favorite taco toppings.
The Ingredients
Lean Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is a good source of protein, which is important for maintaining muscles and keeping you feeling satisfied after a meal.
Choosing lean beef also helps keep the amount of saturated fat lower than higher-fat varieties.
Onion: Onions add flavor and natural sweetness to the casserole without needing a lot of extra ingredients.
Garlic: Garlic adds plenty of flavor while keeping the recipe simple. It also contains sulfur-containing compounds and antioxidants.
Taco Seasoning: Taco seasoning gives the beef its signature Mexican-inspired flavor. Using a reduced-sodium variety can help keep the overall sodium content of the casserole lower.
Salsa: Salsa adds tomatoes, peppers, onions, and plenty of flavor to the pasta bake. Tomatoes are a source of vitamin C and the antioxidant lycopene. Look for a salsa without added sugar if you want to keep the ingredients as simple as possible.
Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce provides a flavorful base for the casserole while adding nutrients from tomatoes. Tomatoes are particularly well known for their lycopene content.
Fat-Free Sour Cream: Fat-free sour cream makes the taco pasta creamy without adding as much fat as traditional sour cream. It also helps give the casserole a delicious creamy texture.
Pasta: Pasta provides carbohydrates, which are an important source of energy. Using a moderate amount of pasta and dividing the casserole into six servings keeps the portions reasonable.
Reduced-Fat Mexican Cheese: Reduced-fat cheese provides protein and calcium while keeping the casserole lighter than one made with full-fat cheese. It also melts beautifully over the pasta.
Green Onions: Green onions add a fresh pop of flavor and color to the finished casserole. They’re also a simple way to add a little extra nutrition without significantly changing the calories.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness and freshness to the finished dish. It’s an easy way to make the casserole look and taste more vibrant.
Click here to track the points on your Weight Watchers app. The full nutrition information can be found at the bottom of the recipe card.
How to Make One-Skillet Cheesy Taco Pasta
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain.
While the pasta cooks, add the ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
Add the garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute, then stir in the salsa and tomato sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream and 1/2 cup of the Mexican cheese.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Mexican cheese over the top.
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit over low heat for 2–4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Remove the lid and top with green onions and cilantro.
Easy Topping Ideas
Try topping each serving with:
- Diced tomatoes
- Pickled jalapeños
- A spoonful of fat-free sour cream
- Diced avocado
- A little extra salsa
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely. You can substitute 93% lean ground turkey for the ground beef. It will make the casserole even leaner while still working well with the taco seasoning, salsa, and cheese.
What pasta works best for taco pasta bake?
You can use shells, bowtie pasta, or another short pasta you have on hand.
What can I put on top of taco pasta bake?
There are so many delicious options! Try diced tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, salsa, avocado, or a small spoonful of fat-free sour cream. You can also add your favorite taco sauce for extra flavor.
One-Skillet Cheesy Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz. uncooked macaroni noodles
- 1 lb. 93% lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 oz. taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
- 1 cup reduced-fat Mexican cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 cup salsa
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain.
- While the pasta cooks, add the ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute, then stir in the salsa and tomato sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream and 1/2 cup of the Mexican cheese.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until everything is well combined.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Mexican cheese over the top.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit over low heat for 2–4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Remove the lid and top with green onions and cilantro.
Notes
Here are some more Weight Watchers friendly Recipes:
Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Casserole
Taco Bell Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme
Are you looking for a meal plan that’s Weight Watchers friendly? I have over 300 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!
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