Description
This Taco Noodle Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheeses. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it blends classic taco spices with comforting pasta for a delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground chicken
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup water
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (4 ounces) sliced black olives, drained
Dairy and Pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 container (8 ounces) garden vegetable cream cheese
- 8 ounces No Yolks ® extra broad noodles
Instructions
- Cook the meat: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef (or ground chicken) until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy dish.
- Add seasonings and vegetables: To the cooked meat, add dried minced onion, taco seasoning, water, chopped red bell pepper, and drained corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Cook the noodles: While the meat mixture is simmering, cook the No Yolks extra broad noodles in a large pot of boiling water following the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside.
- Add cheeses: To the skillet, add the shredded cheddar cheese and the block of garden vegetable cream cheese. Stir continuously over low heat until the cheeses are completely melted and incorporated into the meat and vegetable mixture, creating a creamy sauce.
- Combine noodles and olives: Gently fold the cooked noodles and sliced black olives into the cheesy meat mixture, combining everything evenly without breaking the noodles. Heat through briefly to meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve the taco noodle skillet warm, straight from the pan, for a comforting and hearty meal that blends classic taco flavors with pasta.
Notes
- Ground chicken can be substituted for beef for a leaner protein option.
- No Yolks noodles are ideal for this recipe, but wide egg noodles or other broad pasta can be used as a substitute.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños with the taco seasoning.
- Drain excess grease carefully to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
- This skillet meal can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, then reheated gently on the stovetop.
