Taco Mac Skillet

$- 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 cup elbow macaroni - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies Taco Mac Skillet starts with hearty main ingredients. You can use ground turkey or beef as your protein. I prefer ground turkey for a lighter touch. Elbow macaroni gives a nice bite, making it a cozy dish. Black beans add protein and fiber, while diced tomatoes with green chilies bring zest and color. - 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings are key for flavor. Taco seasoning packs a punch with spices that make this dish special. Use olive oil to sauté the veggies, enhancing their taste. Salt and pepper are simple, but they make a big difference in the overall flavor. - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) Garnishes elevate your dish. Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top, adding creaminess. Fresh cilantro offers a bright finish if you like a fresh taste. You can skip it if you prefer, but it adds a nice touch. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large skillet. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes. You want them tender and fragrant. Next, add 1 pound of ground turkey or beef. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 packet of taco seasoning. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks. Now it’s time to bring in some flavor. Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 cup of corn. Pour in 2 cups of beef or chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of elbow macaroni. Stir well, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After cooking the pasta, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts into the dish, creating a creamy texture. For the final touch, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and become bubbly. If you like, add fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. - To make sure your pasta is just right, cook it until al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package directions for timing. Stir the pasta often. This keeps it from sticking together. - To prevent sticking, use enough water when cooking the pasta. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor. Once the pasta is done, drain it quickly. Rinse with cold water if needed. This stops it from cooking more. - You can make this dish even better by adding spices. A pinch of chili powder or cayenne can add heat. A few drops of hot sauce can also give it a kick. Taste as you go to find your perfect level of spice. - Try different cheeses to change the flavor. Monterey Jack adds creaminess. Pepper Jack gives a nice spicy twist. You can mix cheeses for a unique taste that you will love. - For side dishes, pair this meal with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lime dressing works well. You could also serve it with tortilla chips for some crunch. - When serving, bowls are great for this dish. It helps keep the cheese and sauce in one place. Plates work too, but bowls add a fun twist. Consider using deep bowls for a cozy feel. Pro Tips Choose the Right Protein: Ground turkey is a leaner option, while beef offers a richer flavor. Choose based on your health goals and taste preferences. Add Extra Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, consider including additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the mix. Cook Pasta Separately: For a firmer texture, you can cook the elbow macaroni separately and mix it in at the end instead of during the simmering process. Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is classic, try other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a gooey texture. {{image_2}} You can switch the ground turkey or beef in this dish. Ground chicken works well too. For a meat-free option, try using lentils or a meat substitute. These choices give you great flavor while meeting your needs. Feel free to change up the macaroni shapes. Shells or rotini can add fun textures. You can also toss in other veggies like zucchini or spinach. They add nutrients and color. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free macaroni. They cook similarly and taste great. For low-carb diets, swap macaroni for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. These swaps keep the dish hearty without the carbs. To store leftovers, let the Taco Mac Skillet cool down. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to label the container with the date. You can freeze the Taco Mac Skillet for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will stay good for about 2 to 3 months. When you are ready to eat it, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. To reheat without losing texture, the stove is best. Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the Taco Mac Skillet and stir until hot. If you use a microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to warm evenly. Enjoy your hearty meal again! Yes, you can swap the meat for other options. Ground chicken works well. You can also use plant-based meat for a vegetarian dish. Each choice will change the flavor slightly but still taste great. Just ensure you cook it fully for safety. To add more heat, try these tips. You can mix in diced jalapeños or add a splash of hot sauce. Another option is to use spicy taco seasoning. Adjust the heat based on your taste. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it out! Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Cook it and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just reheat it on the stove or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Taco Mac Skillet. We discussed the main ingredients, like ground turkey, macaroni, and black beans. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and tips for extra flavor. You can customize it with different proteins and veggies to fit your needs. Remember, storing leftovers right helps keep the dish fresh. With these tips, you can enjoy a meal that fits your taste and lifestyle. Dive into this recipe and make it your own!$

A delicious and easy one-pan meal combining tacos and macaroni.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey or beef
1 cup elbow macaroni
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups beef or chicken broth
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
1 bell pepper diced (any color)
1 small onion, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they become tender.
Add the ground turkey or beef to the skillet, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Stir well, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
After the pasta has cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts into the mixture, creating a creamy texture.
Top the skillet with the remaining cheese, cover, and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Keyword macaroni, one-pan meal, skillet, taco