Description
A budget-friendly, one-pot comfort food dish that combines macaroni, ground meat, beans, and cheese with taco spices for a creamy, satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2–3 tablespoons homemade blend)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup mild or medium salsa
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil (optional, if using lean meat)
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add oil if using lean meat, then add diced onion and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
- Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned (5 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and stir to coat. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Add uncooked macaroni, water, and salsa to the pot. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is submerged.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer undisturbed for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Stir in drained black beans and let heat through for 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Pour in milk and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
Shred your own cheese for better melting. Use low-moisture salsa to prevent a runny sauce. Pasta continues to cook in residual heat, so remove from heat when al dente. Leftovers thicken in the fridge; add milk or water when reheating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 25
Keywords: one pot meal, cheesy taco mac, budget dinner, family friendly, quick dinner, comfort food, taco pasta