Boldly flavorful and irresistibly creamy, Dr Pepper Taco Mac is the ultimate one-pot dinner that brings a fun twist to classic comfort food. This recipe uniquely combines the zesty kick of taco seasoning with the sweet, caramelized depth of Dr Pepper soda, creating a sauce that perfectly coats tender macaroni and savory ground beef. With melted cheddar cheese blending it all together, this hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser that's ready in just 40 minutes. Easy to customize with your favorite garnishes like fresh parsley or cilantro, this taco-inspired pasta is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Satisfy your cravings with this quick, family-friendly recipe thatβs destined to become a mealtime favorite!
In a large skillet or deep sautΓ© pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Return the cooked ground beef to the pan, and sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Stir everything together to coat the beef with the seasoning.
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pan, followed by the Dr Pepper, beef broth, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine and ensure all the pasta is submerged in liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Enjoy your Dr Pepper Taco Mac!
Calories |
3091 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 160.9 g | 206% | |
| Saturated Fat | 81.9 g | 410% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 541 mg | 180% | |
| Sodium | 9756 mg | 424% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 248.6 g | 90% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.6 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.2 g | ||
| Protein | 172.2 g | 344% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1777 mg | 137% | |
| Iron | 13.7 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 2106 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.