Description
One-pan Taco Mac and Cheese is a quick, comforting dinner that blends the bold flavors of taco night with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. Made in just one pan and ready in 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 brown onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) ground beef
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 400 g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 400 g (14 oz) canned corn kernels, drained (or 1 cup/150 g frozen corn)
- 4 cups (1 litre) beef stock
- 400 g (14 oz) pasta (macaroni, small shells, or penne)
- 100 g (3½ oz) cream cheese
- ½ cup (60 g) freshly grated cheddar
- 1½ cups (195 g) Mexican cheese blend
- ¼ bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
- 1 spring onion (scallion), finely sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven grill (broiler) to high.
- In a large, deep, oven-safe pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, corn, and beef stock. Stir to combine.
- Add pasta, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese and cheddar until fully melted and incorporated.
- Turn off heat. Top with Mexican cheese blend and place under the grill for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbling. Alternatively, cover with lid and let sit for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Top with chopped coriander and sliced spring onion. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta shape — small shells, elbow macaroni, or penne all work well.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe pan, skip broiling and melt cheese with the lid on.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 687
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
