Mexican Macaroni and Beef

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this hearty and flavor-packed Mexican Macaroni and Beef recipe! A one-pot wonder featuring tender macaroni pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a zesty tomato base infused with chili powder, cumin, and paprika, this dish brings bold Mexican-inspired flavors to your table in just 40 minutes. The creamy melted cheddar cheese and optional cilantro topping add the perfect finishing touches, making every bite irresistibly satisfying. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this easy-to-make family favorite is ideal for busy nights—and it’s just as delicious reheated the next day! Perfectly comforting, budget-friendly, and sure to please, this recipe is a must-try for fans of fusion comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups macaroni pasta
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté until the onion is tender and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.

Step 4

Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, and macaroni pasta to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated.

Step 7

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your Mexican Macaroni and Beef!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2004.2 grams (2004.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2440

Total Fat 126.00g	162%
Saturated Fat 58.10g	291%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 422mg	141%
Sodium 5979mg	260%
Total Carbohydrate 193.30g	70%
Dietary Fiber 19.80g	71%
Total Sugars 25.40g
Protein 143.40g	287%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1130mg	87%
Iron 16mg	90%
Potassium 2825mg	60%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.7%

Protein: 23.1%

Carbs: 31.2%