Description
A budget-friendly, one-pan meal that combines ground beef, macaroni, beans, and cheese for a creamy, comforting dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade mix
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, cilantro, avocado
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion; cook until beef is browned and onion is soft (about 5 minutes). Drain excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and minced garlic; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, milk, and uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir well to combine, ensuring pasta is submerged.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in rinsed black beans and corn; let heat through for 2 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese to prevent burning or separation. Rinse beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium. If pasta is not done but liquid is gone, add a splash of water or broth. Leftovers store in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of milk or water to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate per serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 58
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 35
Keywords: one skillet, taco mac, budget dinner, family meals, cheap dinner, ground beef, pasta, quick meals, weeknight dinner