Description
One Pot Taco Mac is a hearty and cheesy pasta dish combining seasoned ground beef, pasta, and taco flavors all cooked together in a single pot. This quick and satisfying recipe is perfect for busy weeknight meals, delivering rich Tex-Mex flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Other
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the onions and browning the beef.
- Cook onions: Add 1/2 cup diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Brown the ground beef: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in 1 packet taco seasoning, 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup tomato sauce, and 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni into the pot, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Incorporate cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, coating the pasta and beef with cheesy goodness.
- Serve warm: Dish out the taco mac while it’s hot, and optionally garnish with chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the ground beef.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or sour cream if desired to add a fresh or tangy contrast.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or corn for added texture and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
