Who’s ready for a comforting, cheesy, and downright flavorful dinner? This One-Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate fusion of two comfort food favorites—tacos and mac & cheese. It’s got the creaminess you love from classic mac, paired with the zesty, bold flavors of a taco night fiesta.
What’s more, it all comes together in one pot, meaning fewer dishes and more time to sit down and enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a regular request. So grab your wooden spoon, and let’s get cooking!
Why This Dish Stands Out
Why You’ll Love One-Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup for a stress-free dinner.
- Flavor Explosion: Cheesy, creamy, and loaded with taco-seasoned goodness.
Cuisine
Tex-Mex Fusion
Tips for Success
- Choose Your Cheese Wisely: A mix of cheddar and pepper jack adds extra flavor.
- Customize Your Spice Level: Add chili powder or smoked paprika for a kick.
- Prevent Sticking: Stir the pot often to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Substitutions and Variations
- Meatless Option: Replace meat with plant-based crumbles or extra black beans.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check your taco seasoning ingredients.
- Low-Carb: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Make It Healthier
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken.
- Swap cream cheese for plain Greek yogurt.
- Add more veggies like corn, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Closing
And there you have it—One-Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese that’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with bold Tex-Mex flavors! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish will bring smiles and second helpings all around. Don’t forget to share your spin on this recipe with us. Hungry for more? Check out our other one-pot wonders for more dinner inspiration!
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk. - What other pasta shapes work?
Shells, rotini, or penne are great substitutes for macaroni. - Can I make this spicy?
Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or use spicy taco seasoning. - How do I avoid clumpy cheese?
Make sure to add the cheese off the heat and stir continuously. - Is this freezer-friendly?
It’s best served fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Let the cheesy taco magic begin! 🌮🧀
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One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Hey there, Kitchies! Who’s ready for a comforting, cheesy, and downright flavorful dinner? This One-Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate fusion of two comfort food favorites—tacos and mac & cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 white onion, small, diced
- 1 Pound ground beef
- ½ Teaspoon salt
- ¼ Teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ½ Cups beef broth
- 1 Cup salsa
- 1 Package taco seasoning
- 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 Cups pasta shells, dry
- 4 Ounces cream cheese
- 3 Cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
Instructions
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Use a dutch oven to heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Fry the onion until it is soft. Then add the ground beef, salt and pepper . Use a wooden spoon to break up any chunks of meat as it cooks. When the beef is no longer pink, drain the fat out of the pan.
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Stir in the broth, salsa, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and pasta.
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Put the lid on the dutch oven and allow this mixture to cook for about 15 minutes, on low heat. Stir the mixture every 5 minutes or so. Remove the lid. If the liquid is absorbed, you can move to the next step. Otherwise, leave the lid off and cook for a few more minutes to allow the extra moisture to steam off.
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Turn off the heat and add the cream cheese and 2 cups of shredded cheese (leave the extra cup of cheese to use as a topping). Stir until the cheese is completely melted.
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When you are ready to serve the taco mac and cheese, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and serve with any other garnishes you choose.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 1102
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 66g
- Saturated Fat: 32g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Protein: 54g
