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- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey - 1 cup elbow macaroni - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn, frozen or canned - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Gather these ingredients for a tasty meal. Start with ground beef or turkey. This gives your dish a hearty base. Next, elbow macaroni adds a nice texture. The diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a spicy kick. For flavor, taco seasoning is a must. It gives the dish its signature taste. The onion and garlic build a strong, aromatic base. They add depth and warmth to each bite. If you want to boost nutrition, add black beans. They offer protein and fiber. Corn adds sweetness and color. Finally, shredded cheddar cheese makes it creamy and rich. It melts beautifully over the dish. With these ingredients, you are set to create a fun, one-pot meal. Each item plays a key role in delivering flavor and satisfaction. Enjoy the process of making this easy dinner dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Next, add 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. - Then, add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook it until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed. - Now stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning. Mix it well to coat the meat. - Pour in 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Add 1 cup of elbow macaroni. - Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained, 1 can of rinsed black beans, and 1 cup of corn. - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Once the pasta is tender, remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts. - Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust as needed. - To serve, ladle the One-Pot Taco Mac into bowls. - For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped cilantro on top. This adds color and flavor. To make your One-Pot Taco Mac extra creamy, add more cheese. Stir in a bit more shredded cheddar at the end for a rich taste. You can also use cream cheese for a different texture. This makes every bite smooth and tasty. Adjusting the spice level is easy. For mild flavor, use less taco seasoning. If you love heat, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce. You can even mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Using a large pot or Dutch oven works best for this dish. A pot with a heavy bottom helps cook evenly. A wooden spoon is great for stirring and mixing. Avoid metal utensils, as they can scratch your pot. You can also use a slow cooker. Just brown the meat first, then add the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method lets the flavors blend nicely, too. Meal prep can cut down your cooking time. Dice the onion and garlic ahead of time. You can also measure out the taco seasoning. Store them in containers for quick access. Make-ahead options are perfect for busy days. You can cook the dish and then refrigerate it. Just reheat when you're ready to eat. It tastes great even after a day in the fridge! Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content and make the dish a bit healthier. Customize the Heat: Adjust the spice level by choosing a mild or spicy taco seasoning according to your preference. Add Fresh Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the mix. Store Leftovers Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. {{image_2}} For a vegetarian or vegan version of One-Pot Taco Mac, swap the meat. Use lentils or chopped mushrooms instead. These options add great texture and flavor. You can also use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based. If you're looking for gluten-free options, choose gluten-free elbow macaroni. Many brands offer this now. Also, double-check your taco seasoning for gluten-free ingredients. To add a Southwestern flair, mix in some diced bell peppers or jalapeños. These will bring a nice kick to your dish. You can also try using different cheese types. Pepper jack cheese gives it a spicy twist. For a milder taste, stick with mozzarella or Monterey Jack. For taco-style toppings, serve your One-Pot Taco Mac with sour cream, diced avocados, or sliced olives. Fresh salsa also works great. You can make it a casserole too! After cooking, transfer the mix to a baking dish. Top with extra cheese and bake until bubbly. This adds a crunchy topping and makes it even more delicious. After enjoying your One-Pot Taco Mac, let it cool down to room temperature. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat it again, heat it in a pot over medium heat. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it and heat it in short bursts until hot. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the dish to cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top because it will expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. For fast reheating, you can also microwave it straight from the freezer. Just add a splash of broth to keep it moist. In the fridge, your One-Pot Taco Mac will stay good for about three days. If you see any mold or a strange smell, it is best to throw it away. If it looks dry or hard, that means it has gone bad. Trust your senses. Always check before eating leftovers. How to make it spicier? You can add more heat by using extra taco seasoning. Try adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. If you want a smoky flavor, consider adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Can I use different pastas? Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Shells, penne, or even rotini work well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might change based on the pasta shape. Pasta too mushy? If your pasta turns mushy, you might have overcooked it. Next time, reduce the simmering time. Stir occasionally to help the pasta cook evenly and keep an eye on it. How to fix a bland dish? To fix a bland taco mac, add a bit more taco seasoning. Fresh lime juice or hot sauce can also boost flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning until it’s just right for you. Caloric content per serving Each serving of One-Pot Taco Mac has about 400 to 450 calories. This can vary based on your meat choice and cheese used. Healthier ingredient options You can swap ground beef for lean turkey or chicken. Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber. Adding more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, can also boost nutrition. This article covered how to make a tasty one-pot taco mac. We discussed the key ingredients like ground beef, elbow macaroni, and diced tomatoes. I shared steps for cooking, tips for flavor, and ideas for variations. You learned about storage and answered common questions too. Remember, cooking is fun, and you can customize this dish to fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey and try new combinations to make it your own.

One-Pot Taco Mac

A delicious and easy one-pot meal combining taco flavors with macaroni.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the meat.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and add the elbow macaroni. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, black beans, and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for seasoning as desired.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro on top.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings.
Keyword macaroni, one-pot, taco