Description
Taco Mac is a delicious and comforting one-pot meal that combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with cheesy macaroni and ground beef. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a creamy, hearty dish topped with your favorite taco garnishes for a fun twist on classic mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Jalapeños
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, beef broth, and diced tomatoes with their juice. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
- Cook Macaroni: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni into the mixture, stir to distribute evenly, and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Finish with Cheese and Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in sour cream and both shredded cheeses until they melt into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Taco Mac hot, topped with optional garnishes such as chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro to add freshness and spice.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or substitute pepper jack cheese for Monterey Jack.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Use homemade taco seasoning to control sodium and spice levels.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
