This Cheesy Taco Macaroni recipe combines the savory goodness of a taco with creamy, cheesy macaroni in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or sliced tomatoes for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 ounce taco seasoning mix
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium green or red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup milk
- 6 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix, cheddar cheese soup, and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the ground beef and sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring the macaroni is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve your Cheesy Taco Macaroni Skillet hot, optionally with a dollop of sour cream on the side.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 521 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 83mg
- Sodium: 959mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 29g
Keep in mind that these nutritional values are approximate and can fluctuate depending on factors like the brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.
Cooking Tips:
- Make this dish your own by adding your favorite taco toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, or chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
- Adjust the heat to your preference by using mild or spicy taco seasoning mix. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for added flavor. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are excellent choices.
- Be cautious not to overcook the pasta; it should be slightly undercooked when draining, as it will continue to cook in the skillet.