Taco Macaroni Skillet
Satisfy your cravings for both comfort food and bold Tex-Mex flavors with this easy and flavorful Taco Macaroni Skillet! This one-pan dinner combines tender elbow pasta, zesty taco-seasoned ground beef, and a vibrant blend of diced tomatoes with green chilies, all smothered in melted cheddar cheese for a creamy, cheesy finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick, fuss-free meal perfect for busy weeknights. Add a dollop of tangy sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for the ultimate garnish, and you’ve got a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. This hearty skillet recipe is sure to become a family favorite, offering all the taco night vibes with half the effort and cleanup.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2 cups water
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), undrained
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 cups sour cream (optional, for serving)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet, if necessary.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the beef mixture and stir to combine.
Pour in the water and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juice). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Once the pasta is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, optionally topped with sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
857 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.8 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.9 g | 125% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 152 mg | 51% | |
| Sodium | 1296 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55.6 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.3 g | ||
| Protein | 43.6 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 514 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 550 mg | 12% | |
*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.
