Description
One Pot Taco Mac is a hearty and cheesy Tex-Mex inspired pasta dish that combines seasoned ground beef, elbow macaroni, and taco flavors cooked together in a single pot. This quick and satisfying recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a comforting meal with melted cheddar cheese and rich tomato sauce in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
Pantry Items
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables and meat.
- Sauté Onion: Add 1/2 cup diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot with the onions. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the pot to avoid greasiness.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in 1 packet taco seasoning, 2 cups beef broth, and 1 cup tomato sauce, mixing well to combine the flavors evenly with the meat.
- Cook Pasta: Add 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, which will enrich the dish and bind all ingredients together.
- Serve: Serve warm as a satisfying main course. Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream as desired.
Notes
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or sour cream for extra flavor and freshness.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Ensure to stir occasionally during simmering to avoid pasta sticking and burning at the bottom.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
