One Pan Taco Mac and Cheese – Taco Ground Beef and Macaroni Skillet
One pan taco mac and cheese is a simple taco ground beef and macaroni skillet that is done in 30 minutes for an easy dinner recipe. All winter long we tend to be chasing our tails. Getting a quick dinner on the table seems nearly impossible when your kids don’t even get out of practice till after 8:30 pm. Finding ways to make quick one pan meals is essential. The whole family loves this one pan taco mac and cheese recipe I pulled together one busy night.
We love Mexican food at our house. In fact, the local Mexican restaurant closest to us wonder what has happened to us if we aren’t there at least once a week. At least we know someone will call the cops if we go missing!! When I am struggling to fix something for supper, I know I can make anything Mexican and everyone will be happy. Mix it with a nod to hamburger helper and the family is also doubly happy.
One-Pan Taco Mac and Cheese Ingredients
There is always a request for hamburger helper at my house. I seriously want to cry when I get the request. Not that I am not looking for an easy meal, but I can make meals with real non-powdered cheese. Which is exactly what I did with this one pan taco mac and cheese. To make this alternative to Hamburger Helper you will need these ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Macaroni
- Fire Roasted Tomatoes
- Taco Seasoning
- Corn
- Shredded Mexican Cheese
How to Make Taco Ground Beef and Macaroni Skillet
Start with browning either ground beef, turkey, chicken or pork in a large skillet like my Le Creuset braiser. Honestly, sausage would work in this recipe too. When the meat is completely browned, drain the grease and return to the skillet. Add the pasta, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, corn, and water.
You need to cover the pasta completely with the water. Bring to a boil and then turn down a slow boil or simmer and cover. Cook till the pasta is tender and liquid is pretty much gone, stirring occasionally. Good time rule of thumb is the amount of time on the pasta box.
Remove from heat and stir in the cheese. Sprinkle additional cheese over top and place the lid back on to let the cheese melt. Top with diced tomatoes, onions and cilantro.
Garnish the taco ground beef and macaroni skillet with sour cream or black olives or jalapenos if you are supreme taco type of person. Otherwise, just have the kids fill their plates and get dinner underway. If you have leftovers, they reheat like a charm. So, you might get lucky and get two meals out of this one.
Easy Hamburger Helper Alternatives
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with Ham
Smoked Sausage Mac and Cheese Skillet
Cheeseburger Macaroni – Homemade Hamburger Helper
One-Pan Taco Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef pork, turkey or chicken
- 12-16 ounces of pasta like macaroni One whole box
- 1 can fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 envelope of taco seasoning
- 2 cups of corn frozen or canned
- 4 cups of water approximate, enough to cover the pasta
- 2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh tomatoes green onions, cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Start with browning either ground beef, turkey, chicken or pork in a large skillet like my Le Creuset braiser.
- When the meat is completely browned, drain the grease and return to the skillet.
- Add the pasta, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, corn, and water. You need to cover the pasta completely with the water.
- Bring to a boil and then turn down a slow boil or simmer and cover.
- Cook till the pasta is tender and liquid is pretty much gone, stirring occasionally. Good time rule of thumb is the amount of time on the pasta box.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheese. Sprinkle additional cheese over top and place the lid back on to let the cheese melt.
- Top with diced tomatoes, onions and cilantro.
Nutrition
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This was so yummy!! Quick and easy, too! M
This is like crack pasta. I wanted to eat it all as soon as I made it. I cooked the onions so nothing was uncooked on top, also used chili powder And extra package of taco seasoning, absolutely delicious! I highly recommend this !