One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac
When it comes to hearty comfort food that the whole family will love, One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac stands out as a winner. This dish is a fusion of creamy, cheesy pasta and zesty taco flavors, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick, fulfilling, and absolutely delicious. I’ve whipped this up on numerous occasions and every time, it disappears from the table in moments. Let’s dive into why you’ll want to add this recipe to your weekly rotation!
Why you’ll love this dish
One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that brings everyone together. This recipe is incredibly quick to prepare, making it a fantastic solution for weeknight dinners when time is tight. Packed with protein from the ground beef (or turkey) and rich flavors from the taco seasoning and cheddar cheese, it’s both filling and kid-approved. Bonus: it’s budget-friendly too, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
“This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick and filling for my family. Everyone devours it, and I love that I only have one pot to clean!” – A happy home cook
Step-by-step overview
Making One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac is simple and straightforward. First, you’ll brown the meat with onion and garlic, infusing the base with flavor. Then, you’ll stir in your seasoning and pasta, letting the dish come together in one skillet. It’s a hands-on experience that requires minimal cleanup – perfect for those who love easy cooking without sacrificing flavor.
What you’ll need
Gathering your ingredients for One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac is a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (with green chilies)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, cilantro
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey for a lighter option, or even try a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian twist.
Directions to follow
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned, draining excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, macaroni, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the macaroni is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Plate it up and serve warm with optional toppings that add a cool contrast.
Best ways to enjoy it
One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate the dish further with creative serving ideas. Consider garnishing with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of green onions, or fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad or crispy tortilla chips, and you’ve got a perfect meal balanced with textures and tastes.
How to store & freeze
Leftovers? No problem! You can store One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes well too. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Helpful cooking tips
- For an extra creamy texture, consider adding a little cream cheese along with the cheddar cheese.
- If you like it spicy, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of taco seasoning.
- Remember to stir occasionally while it simmers to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Recipe variations
Don’t hesitate to mix things up! You can customize One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for heat or a Mexican blend for more flavor complexity. Want a bit of greens? Toss in some spinach or bell peppers halfway through cooking. You can even switch out the beef for chicken or black beans for a different protein option.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does this recipe take?
A: The whole process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a great quick meal option.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to swap out macaroni for any small pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta.
Q: Is it safe to freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, it’s perfectly safe to freeze leftovers. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container and cooled properly before freezing.
In just one pot, you can create a comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table – enjoy your culinary creation!
One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until meat is browned, draining excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in taco seasoning, macaroni, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the macaroni is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Plate it up and serve warm with optional toppings.
