One-Pot Taco Chili Mac Skillet (Print View)

Cheesy Tex-Mex skillet with beef, pasta, beans, and veggies for a cozy, one-pan crowd-pleaser.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound ground beef

→ Vegetables and Beans

02 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1 (15 ounce) can corn kernels, drained

→ Pasta

07 - 2 cups dry elbow macaroni

→ Liquids

08 - 2 cups beef broth
09 - 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices

→ Spices and Seasonings

10 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

→ Cheese

14 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

→ Garnishes (Optional)

15 - Chopped cilantro
16 - Sliced green onions
17 - Sour cream

# Directions:

01 - Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat.
02 - Add diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in taco seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add drained black beans, drained corn, dry elbow macaroni, beef broth, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine thoroughly.
05 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
06 - Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and sour cream if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses mostly pantry staples you likely have on hand
  • Requires only one pot for the entire meal
  • Combines familiar flavors kids love with enough complexity for adults
  • Perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited
02 -
  • Complete protein meal with beans and meat combining for excellent nutrition
  • Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in airtight containers
  • Can easily be doubled for larger families or meal prep
  • Perfect for repurposing leftovers into stuffed peppers
03 -
  • For maximum flavor development toast your dried spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to your homemade taco seasoning blend. The heat activates the essential oils in the spices creating deeper more complex flavors throughout your dish.
  • When choosing canned tomatoes opt for fire-roasted varieties which add a subtle smoky dimension that complements the taco seasonings beautifully.
  • Finally always save a small amount of the pasta cooking liquid before draining if your final dish seems too thick you can add this starchy water back in to create the perfect consistency without diluting flavor.

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