Description
This One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines the flavors of classic tacos with cheesy pasta comfort food. Prepared in a single skillet, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a flavorful, hearty dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- ½ Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 Bell Pepper, diced
Pantry Ingredients
- 10 ounces Diced Tomatoes with Green chilies, undrained
- 1 Packet Taco Seasoning (about 1 ounce)
- ½ cup Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 2 ½ cups Shell Pasta
Dairy
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the diced onions, bell peppers, and ground beef. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Then, sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the cooked meat and vegetables and stir to combine well.
- Add Liquid Ingredients and Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies (with their juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, and whole milk. Add the shell pasta as well. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the seasoning and liquids are evenly distributed.
- Simmer and Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated throughout the dish. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy taco mac!
Notes
- Stir the pasta occasionally to avoid sticking or burning at the bottom of the skillet.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy taco seasoning.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for stronger flavor or a mild cheddar if preferred.
- This recipe can be doubled, but use a larger skillet or pot for cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex