Description
This Taco Macaroni combines the irresistible flavors of taco seasoning and creamy cheeses in a simple one-pot dish. Perfect for a quick dinner, it features easy prep and hearty ingredients like ground beef and pasta, making it a comforting meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 packet (1 ounce / 3 tablespoons) taco seasoning, store-bought or homemade
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as rotel), undrained
- 2 cups (16 ounces / 480 g) beef broth
- ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces medium shell pasta, uncooked
- 4 ounces cream cheese, diced
- 1 cup (113 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (113 g) monterey jack cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup (57.5 g) sour cream, plus more for garnish
- cilantro, chopped for garnish
- jalapeno, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat olive oil until shimmering.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Incorporate ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, for 8 to 10 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Mix in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until combined.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning, then add diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, heavy cream, and uncooked pasta.
- Stir until pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Bring to a low boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat when pasta is cooked and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in cream cheese, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Fold in sour cream until just combined.
- Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro, jalapenos, and sour cream.
Notes
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
For a spicier kick, add extra jalapenos or use a spicy taco seasoning.
This dish can be easily doubled for a larger crowd.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
