Taco Macaroni and Cheese Skillet
Get ready to elevate weeknight dinners with this irresistible Taco Macaroni and Cheese Skillet, a satisfying one-pan wonder that combines the bold flavors of tacos with the creamy comfort of mac and cheese. Featuring seasoned ground beef or turkey, tender elbow macaroni, and a velvety blend of cheddar and cream cheese, this recipe is packed with flavor in every bite. A hint of spice comes from diced tomatoes with green chiles, while taco seasoning ties it all together. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy skillet meal is perfect for busy families and makes cleanup a breeze. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a finishing touch, and watch this fusion favorite become an instant hit at the dinner table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3.5 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (e.g., Rotel)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 0.5 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and onion mixture, and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, broth, and canned diced tomatoes (including their juice). Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom, and cook until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Reduce the heat further and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Mix until both cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the chopped cilantro for added freshness.
Serve hot, optionally topped with a dollop of sour cream and additional cilantro as garnish. Enjoy your Taco Macaroni and Cheese Skillet!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
608 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.0 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.2 g | 101% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 130 mg | 43% | |
| Sodium | 1239 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.0 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 30.3 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 358 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 483 mg | 10% | |
*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.
