Taco-Style Beef Pasta Skillet

Ingredients

• 10 oz Ground beef (80/20)
• 2 tsp Taco seasoning
• 1 tbsp Olive oil(optional)
• 6 oz Uncooked pasta (penne or elbow)
• 1 cup Crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup Water
• 1/2 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 tsp Salt(optional)
• 1/8 tsp Black pepper(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (10 minutes): Gather ingredients. Measure pasta, crushed tomatoes, water, taco seasoning, and cheese. If needed, lightly season with a pinch of salt and black pepper (taco seasoning may already be salty).

2. 2

   Cook (22 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 30–60 seconds to bloom the spices. Add pasta, crushed tomatoes, and water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer.

4. 4

   Simmer and stir occasionally until pasta is tender and sauce thickens, about 10–12 minutes. If it gets too dry before pasta is done, add a splash more water.

5. 5

   Turn off heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted. Rest 1 minute, then serve hot.