Description
This Easy Creamy Taco Mac recipe combines hearty ground beef, savory taco seasoning, and tender elbow macaroni into a creamy, cheesy skillet meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With simple ingredients and one-pot cooking, it’s a delicious Tex-Mex-inspired dish that’s both comforting and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Cook Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid). Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy taco mac!
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative to beef.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutritional value.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to match your preferred spice level.