Taco Macaroni

Name: Taco Macaroni One-Pot Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: mexican inspired
Ingredients: ¾ pound 93% lean beef; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (homemade or package); ½ cup yellow onion (chopped); ½ cup red bell pepper (chopped); ½ cup green bell pepper (chopped); 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles; 1 ½ cups beef broth; ½ cup milk; 8 ounces macaroni (elbows, baby shells, etc (or gluten-free pasta)); 1 cup Mexican blend cheese ( or Monterey jack cheese)

Taco Macaroni is a one-pot skillet meal combining seasoned ground beef, elbow pasta, roasted peppers, and melted Mexican cheese in a tomato-broth base. It's a quick, family-friendly dinner that comes together in under 25 minutes with just one pan to clean.

🌍Mexican inspired 🌍Mexican-American 🥗Gluten-Free 🏷️Kid Friendly 🏷️One pot macaroni Taco macaroni

🏷️

🏷️Taco pasta

🏷️Weeknight dinner

Total

35 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Skinnytaste

Ingredients

¾ pound 93% lean beef
1 tablespoon taco seasoning (homemade or package)
½ cup yellow onion (chopped)
½ cup red bell pepper (chopped)
½ cup green bell pepper (chopped)
10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 ½ cups beef broth
½ cup milk
8 ounces macaroni (elbows, baby shells, etc (or gluten-free pasta))
1 cup Mexican blend cheese ( or Monterey jack cheese)

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Instructions

1
Heat a large, deep skillet on medium high heat and add the beef and taco seasoning. Cook, breaking the meat up into small pieces until browned, 5-6 minutes. Add the onion and bell peppers; cook until aromatic; 2 to 3 minutes.
2
Stir in the canned tomato and beef broth and bring to a boil. Add the macaroni and make sure to submerge pasta into the liquid.
3
Lower heat to medium-low and cover. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway until the pasta is almost tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
4
Uncover, add the milk, and cook, covered stirring periodically medium-low until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes.
5
Remove from heat, uncover and add cheese. Stir to combine

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding aromatics to build flavor depth and render fat evenly.
Stir the pasta occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking to the bottom of the skillet and ensure even cooking.
Add cheese off the heat and stir until fully melted for a creamy, lump-free sauce.
Taste and adjust taco seasoning after the milk is added, as dairy can mellow spice intensity.

Substitutions

Rotel tomatoes with green chiles → regular diced tomatoes + 1 tablespoon diced canned green chiles (slightly milder heat)
Mexican blend cheese → Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar (Monterey Jack is creamier; cheddar adds tang)
Beef broth → chicken broth or vegetable broth (same flavor profile, lighter alternative)
Milk → heavy cream or half-and-half (richer result, slightly less healthy)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or milk to restore creamy consistency.

Common Questions

Can I make Taco Macaroni ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the full recipe, cool completely, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.

What pasta shapes work best for Taco Macaroni?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but baby shells, ditalini, or small penne also work well. Avoid long pasta shapes that are harder to serve and eat from a skillet.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes. Substitute 93% lean beef with an equal amount of ground turkey or chicken. Cook slightly longer (2–3 extra minutes) since poultry takes longer to brown.

How do I scale this recipe for more servings?

Double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or Dutch oven. Increase simmering time by 5–8 minutes to ensure pasta is fully tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta in place of regular elbow macaroni. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free; verify taco seasoning has no gluten additives.