Description
Easy Taco Mac is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal combining seasoned ground turkey or beef with pasta, cheese, and a zesty tomato base. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this comforting dish blends the savory taste of taco seasoning with creamy cheddar cheese, all cooked together in a skillet for convenience and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 10 ounce can Ro-Tel, undrained
- 1 cup broth (chicken or beef broth)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
Seasonings & Pasta
- 1 1 ounce package taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cup elbow noodles (e.g., Barilla gluten free elbows)
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey or beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish lean and prevent it from becoming too oily.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the undrained can of Ro-Tel, broth, milk, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning. Mix everything together thoroughly to incorporate all the flavors.
- Simmer the Mixture: Increase the heat to medium-high and wait until the mixture begins to simmer. This step helps activate the seasoning and meld the ingredients.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the elbow noodles to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with Cheese: Once the noodles are cooked through, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed for a creamy and cheesy finish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or even a plant-based ground meat for variation.
- Using Ro-Tel adds a nice spicy kick; substitute with diced tomatoes if less heat is preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free elbow noodles as recommended.
- If the mixture thickens too much while cooking, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.