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Taco Macaroni: Easy One-Pot High-Protein Dinner

Recipe by Evelyn Marcella Rivera

This easy one-pot taco macaroni combines everything your family loves—seasoned beef, colorful bell peppers, zesty tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese—into one gloriously satisfying dish. With over 30 grams of protein per serving and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will request again and again.

  • Total Time35 minutes
  • Yield4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 0.75 lb 93% lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning (homemade or package)
  • 0.5 cup yellow onion (chopped)
  • 0.5 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 0.5 cup green bell pepper (chopped)
  • 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles (1 can)
  • 1.5 cups beef broth
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 8 oz macaroni pasta (elbows, baby shells, or gluten-free pasta)
  • 1 cup Mexican blend cheese (or Monterey Jack cheese)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and taco seasoning. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces until browned.
  2. Add the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook until aromatic and slightly softened, 2-3 minutes.
  3. Build the Base: Stir in the canned Rotel tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then add the dry macaroni, making sure to submerge pasta into the liquid.
  4. Simmer Covered: Lower heat to medium-low and cover. Cook 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway, until pasta is almost tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  5. Add Milk and Finish Cooking: Uncover, add the milk, and cover again. Continue cooking on medium-low, stirring periodically, for 8-10 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Add Cheese and Serve: Remove from heat, add cheese, and stir until melted and combined. Serve immediately with desired toppings.

Notes

Make sure to fully submerge the pasta in liquid before covering, or it won’t cook evenly. Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent it from becoming stringy. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating leftovers to restore creaminess.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Cuisine: American, Mexican

Nutrition

  • Calories: 485
  • Sodium: 780
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 48
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 32

Find it online: https://blesseddish.com/taco-macaroni-easy-one-pot-high-protein-dinner/