Taco Mac and Cheese — Family-Friendly Back-to-School Meal
A cheesy, one-skillet taco mac combining seasoned ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and melty cheddar for the ultimate comfort meal in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1 cup black beans (optional)
- ½ cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: 2 tbsp sour cream or cream cheese
- Garnishes: green onion, cilantro, avocado
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown beef with onion over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Stir in taco seasoning, tomatoes, broth, pasta, and optional beans/corn.
- Cover and simmer for 12–14 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Turn off heat, stir in cheese and sour cream (if using).
- Garnish and serve hot.
Notes
- Add jalapeños or chili flakes for heat.
- Use gluten-free pasta as needed.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.