One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese
A comforting one pot dinner combining seasoned ground beef with macaroni pasta and melted cheese, perfect for lazy weeknights. This mexican-inspired kid friendly ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef, uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, cook 1 lb ground beef with 1/2 cup chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until beef is browned and onion is soft; drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz uncooked elbow macaroni, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juice), and 3 cups beef broth to the pot; bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese?
Mexican kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
