Tex Mex Macaroni

Dive into comfort food with a bold twist in this Tex Mex Macaroni recipe—a mouthwatering fusion of zesty Tex-Mex flavors and creamy pasta goodness! Tender elbow macaroni is enveloped in a velvety sauce infused with taco-seasoned ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, hearty black beans, and sweet corn. Cream cheese and melted cheddar elevate the dish with a luscious, cheesy finish, while optional fresh cilantro adds a vibrant garnish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Serve it hot and let every bite transport your taste buds to the Southwest. Keywords: Tex Mex Macaroni, Tex-Mex pasta, creamy taco macaroni, easy one-pot meal, cheese pasta bake recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 14.5 ounces, canned diced tomatoes
• 15 ounces, canned and drained black beans
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 packet (about 1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional for garnish) fresh cilantro
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups water

Directions

Step 1

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 4

Stir in the taco seasoning packet, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly with the seasoning.

Step 5

Add the canned diced tomatoes, black beans, frozen corn, and 3 cups of water. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.

Step 6

Lower the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and fully incorporated into the mixture.

Step 7

Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated in the sauce.

Step 8

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2905 grams (2905.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3985

Total Fat 182.10g	233%
Saturated Fat 81.90g	410%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.00g
Cholesterol 557mg	186%
Sodium 9099mg	396%
Total Carbohydrate 402.90g	147%
Dietary Fiber 52.50g	188%
Total Sugars 40.00g
Protein 192.10g	384%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1377mg	106%
Iron 29mg	162%
Potassium 2512mg	53%

*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: 40.8%

Protein: 19.1%

Carbs: 40.1%