Description
Taco Mac is a comforting one-pot Tex-Mex dish combining seasoned ground beef, elbow macaroni, and gooey cheddar cheese in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This easy stovetop meal is perfect for family dinners and comes together quickly with pantry staples and a touch of taco seasoning for a spicy, savory punch.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Finishing and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Sauté Onions: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish less oily.
- Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for 1 more minute to release the aromatic flavors and infuse the meat with taco spices.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, broth, milk, and uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir everything to combine thoroughly, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet or pot and let it simmer gently for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed into a creamy sauce.
- Stir in Cheese and Season: Remove the pot from heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions or cilantro over the top if you like, and serve the Taco Mac warm for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the garlic and taco seasoning.
- Mix in black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for added texture, nutrition, and flavor variety.
- Leftovers store well and reheat easily, making this a great recipe for preparing meals ahead or for quick lunches.
