Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy One Pot Taco Mac Recipe


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium brown onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp minced fresh garlic
  • 500g (1 lb 2 oz) ground beef
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 400g can crushed tomatoes
  • 400g can corn kernels, drained
  • 4 cups beef stock
  • 400g pasta (macaroni or small shells)
  • 100g cream cheese
  • ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1½ cups Mexican cheese blend
  • ¼ bunch fresh coriander, chopped
  • 1 spring onion, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven grill to high. Heat olive oil in large oven-safe pan over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking up with spoon until browned. This takes about 5-6 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomato paste and all spices. Cook 1-2 minutes to bloom flavors.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, corn, and beef stock. Stir to combine thoroughly.
  6. Add pasta and bring to simmer. Cover and cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese and cheddar until fully melted.
  8. Turn off heat. Top with Mexican cheese blend. Grill 2-3 minutes until golden.
  9. Top with fresh coriander and spring onion. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Use regular ground beef instead of lean – the fat adds flavor and prevents dryness
  • Don’t skip browning the meat properly – this creates the flavor foundation
  • Stir pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking
  • Add cream cheese while pan is warm but off heat to prevent curdling
  • If no oven-safe pan, cover with lid instead of grilling for melted cheese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg