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Easy One Pot Taco Mac Recipe


  • Author: Jennie Graham
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

One Pot Cheesy Taco Mac blends creamy mac and cheese comfort with bold taco flavors in a single skillet. With seasoned ground beef, pasta, melted cheese, and minimal cleanup, it’s the perfect go-to for busy nights.


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
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One-Pot
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

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

Keywords: taco mac and cheese, one pot taco pasta, cheesy taco skillet, creamy taco beef pasta, easy taco dinner, weeknight one pot meal, taco mac recipe