Cheesy Taco Mac: Easy One Pot Recipe

Are you looking for a quick and delicious meal that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family? Look no further than this flavorful and comforting One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac recipe. This dish has been a lifesaver for busy weeknights in my household, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Picture this: savory ground beef, tender pasta, and ooey-gooey cheese all cooked together in one pot with the perfect blend of taco seasonings. The result is a creamy and cheesy pasta dish that will have your family coming back for seconds. I can’t count how many times this One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac has saved the day when I needed a meal that was easy to make and loved by everyone at the table.

I still remember the first time my friend Lisa tried this recipe and couldn’t believe how quickly her kids devoured their plates. It’s moments like these that make me appreciate the power of a simple and delicious meal that brings joy to those around the table. So, if you’re looking for a stress-free dinner option that will please both kids and adults alike, give this One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac a try. Trust me, it’ll become a staple in your weekly meal rotation in no time.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights
• Versatile recipe that can be customized with different vegetables, cheeses, and proteins
• Balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs all in one dish
• Great for meal prep – leftovers can be stored in the fridge for several days or frozen for up to three months

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Taco Mac: Easy One Pot Recipe Recipe

• Convenience: Cooks in one pot, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal without the hassle of multiple dishes.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters enjoy this dish, as proven by Lisa’s kids who asked for it again the next night. A great way to get children to eat a homemade meal.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit your family’s preferences by adding different vegetables, beans, or spices. You can make it as mild or spicy as you like.
• Complete Meal: Contains protein, vegetables, and carbs all in one dish, making it a well-rounded and filling meal that doesn’t require additional sides.
• Make-ahead: Can be prepared ahead of time, stored in the fridge for several days, or frozen for up to three months, making it a convenient option for meal prep or leftovers.
• Comfort Food: Satisfies cravings for cheesy, hearty comfort food while still incorporating essential nutrients from the vegetables and lean protein.
• Versatile Ingredients: Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey for a lighter option, and various cheeses or additional toppings can be added to suit different tastes.
• Family Favorite: A tried-and-true recipe that has become a beloved tradition in many households, loved by both kids and adults alike for its delicious flavor and simplicity.

Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Mac: Easy One Pot Recipe

• 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2½ cups shell pasta (or any short pasta)
• ½ cup tomato sauce

How to Make Cheesy Taco Mac: Easy One Pot Recipe

Step 1: Brown the meat and vegetables

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, diced onion, and bell pepper for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon until beef is browned and vegetables are softened. Drain excess grease.

Step 2: Season and add base ingredients

Evenly distribute taco seasoning over meat mixture, stirring to combine. Add diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, beef broth, and milk. Mix until well blended.

Step 3: Add pasta and simmer

Add the uncooked shell pasta to the mixture, ensuring it is mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat, cover the skillet, and simmer on low.

Step 4: Cook until pasta is tender

Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add more broth or milk if needed.

Step 5: Add cheese and finish

Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and forms a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.

Step 6: Serve hot

Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve hot and creamy in bowls.

Storage Tips

To store the finished dish of One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, and it actually tastes pretty good when reheated. If the sauce thickens upon reheating, simply add a splash of milk to loosen it up and restore a creamy consistency.

For longer-term storage, this cheesy taco mac can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. However, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly when thawed. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. Adding a bit of milk during reheating can help maintain the desired creamy texture. Enjoy the convenience of having a delicious homemade meal ready to enjoy even on the busiest days!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, you can easily swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. This will still provide the protein element while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying. Additionally, if you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute without compromising the overall flavor profile of the dish.

For those who prefer a different type of pasta, feel free to use any short pasta you have available in your pantry such as penne, rotini, or macaroni. The key is to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the pasta shape you choose. Similarly, if you’re looking to reduce the richness of the dish, you can opt for a lighter cheese like mozzarella or a blend of cheeses such as Monterey Jack and cheddar. These substitutions will still provide that cheesy goodness without being as heavy as sharp cheddar.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, set up a DIY taco mac bar for your family or guests. Prepare the cheesy taco mac as instructed, then lay out bowls of different toppings like sliced jalapeños, black beans, corn, diced avocado, salsa, sour cream, and extra shredded cheese. Let everyone customize their own bowl of taco mac with their favorite toppings for a personalized and flavorful experience.

To elevate the presentation, consider serving the one pot cheesy taco mac in individual mini cast iron skillets. Top each serving with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a rustic and charming presentation that will make your weeknight dinner feel extra special. The individual skillets also make for easy serving and cleanup, perfect for busy evenings when you want a delicious meal without the hassle.

FAQs for Cheesy Taco Mac: Easy One Pot Recipe

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a lighter option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as ground turkey may cook faster than ground beef.

How can I prevent the pasta from burning or sticking to the pan?

Make sure to keep an eye on the pot while the ingredients are cooking and stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Avoid walking away from the pot for an extended period of time to ensure even cooking.

Can I customize this recipe with additional vegetables or toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add in extra vegetables like corn, black beans, or jalapeños to suit your family’s preferences. You can also top the dish with ingredients like sour cream, salsa, or even crushed tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.

How should I store leftovers of this one pot cheesy taco mac?

You can store leftovers of this dish in the fridge for several days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce. It can also be frozen for up to three months, but be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac is truly a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy, making it a staple in many households. Remember to stay vigilant while cooking to avoid any mishaps, and feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients to make it your own.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or a comforting meal to feed your family, One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac has got you covered. With its blend of flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home as well. So next time you’re in need of a simple yet flavorful dish, give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm and hearty meal that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Cheesy Taco Mac: Easy One Pot Recipe

“An easy, cheesy, and comforting one-pot taco mac that will save your weeknight sanity and have everyone cleaning their plates.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings5 Servings (5 cups)

Ingredients

• 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2½ cups shell pasta (or any short pasta)
• ½ cup tomato sauce

Instructions

1. Brown the meat and vegetables: 1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, diced onion, and bell pepper for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon until beef is browned and vegetables are softened. Drain excess grease.
2. Season and add base ingredients: Evenly distribute taco seasoning over meat mixture, stirring to combine. Add diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, beef broth, and milk. Mix until well blended.
3. Add pasta and simmer: Add the uncooked shell pasta to the mixture, ensuring it is mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat, cover the skillet, and simmer on low.
4. Cook until pasta is tender: Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add more broth or milk if needed.
5. Add cheese and finish: Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and forms a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
6. Serve hot: Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve hot and creamy in bowls.