Haunted House Taco Pasta Skillet (Print)

Savory Tex-Mex skillet with beef, pasta, black beans, and cheese—ideal for family nights or spooky gatherings.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound ground beef

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pantry Staples

05 - 10 ounces dried rotini or fusilli pasta
06 - 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
07 - 1 cup beef or chicken broth
08 - 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
09 - 1 cup frozen corn

→ Spices and Seasonings

10 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Dairy

13 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
14 - 1/2 cup sour cream, for topping (optional)

→ Garnishes

15 - 2 green onions, sliced
16 - Sliced black olives
17 - Ghost or bat-shaped tortilla chips (optional)

# Method:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, approximately 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
02 - Add the finely chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
03 - Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
04 - Incorporate the dried pasta, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, beef or chicken broth, drained and rinsed black beans, and frozen corn. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
05 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta reaches al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
06 - Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the surface of the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.
07 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and black olives. For a festive presentation, add ghost or bat-shaped tortilla chips. Serve immediately, with sour cream on the side if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses everyday pantry ingredients you likely already have
  • One pan means minimal cleanup
  • Kid friendly but sophisticated enough for adults
  • Perfect for Halloween gatherings or family dinners
02 -
  • High in protein with 32g per serving
  • Can be made ahead and reheated beautifully
  • Customizable heat level makes it perfect for all ages
  • Doubles as both dinner and festive Halloween activity
03 -
  • Toast your spices before adding liquids to unlock their maximum flavor potential. This quick extra step makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.
  • For the creamiest texture, grate your own cheese rather than using pre shredded varieties which contain anti caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
  • Keep extra broth nearby during cooking. Different pasta brands absorb liquid differently, and you may need to add a splash more for the perfect consistency.

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