Taco Macaroni Skillet

Satisfy your cravings for both comfort food and bold Tex-Mex flavors with this easy and flavorful Taco Macaroni Skillet! This one-pan dinner combines tender elbow pasta, zesty taco-seasoned ground beef, and a vibrant blend of diced tomatoes with green chilies, all smothered in melted cheddar cheese for a creamy, cheesy finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick, fuss-free meal perfect for busy weeknights. Add a dollop of tangy sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for the ultimate garnish, and you’ve got a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. This hearty skillet recipe is sure to become a family favorite, offering all the taco night vibes with half the effort and cleanup.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 2 cups water
• 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), undrained
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 cups sour cream (optional, for serving)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Drain any excess grease from the skillet, if necessary.

Step 5

Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the beef mixture and stir to combine.

Step 6

Pour in the water and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juice). Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

Step 8

Once the pasta is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.

Step 9

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 10

Serve hot, optionally topped with sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for garnish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1890.3 grams (1890.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3214

Total Fat 190.90g	245%
Saturated Fat 95.30g	476%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 623mg	208%
Sodium 4182mg	182%
Total Carbohydrate 206.70g	75%
Dietary Fiber 12.00g	43%
Total Sugars 20.60g
Protein 171.90g	344%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1972mg	152%
Iron 12mg	68%
Potassium 2211mg	47%

*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: 53.2%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 25.6%