Description
Taco Mac is a delicious, hearty one-pot dinner combining seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting Tex-Mex inspired meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, this flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped green onions or cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onion. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to maintain a balanced flavor.
- Add Aromatics and Seasoning. Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for an additional 1 minute to release the spices’ flavors.
- Add Liquids and Pasta. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, broth, and milk. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni until everything is well combined and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Pasta. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet or pot, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro before serving warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking.
- You can add black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
- Leftovers reheat well, making this recipe ideal for meal prep or easy lunches.
