One-Pot Taco Macaroni: Easy High-Protein Dinner (Print Version)
One-Pot Taco Macaroni delivers a high-protein, flavorful dinner in a single pot. Quick to prepare, this family-friendly meal is packed with savory taco taste.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
03 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Tex-Mex Flavor Boosters
05 -
1 (1.25 oz) packet low-sodium taco seasoning
06 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
07 -
1 (4 oz) can mild green chiles, undrained
08 -
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Creamy Macaroni Core
10 -
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
11 -
1 cup 2% milk
12 -
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Fresh Finishes & Toppings
13 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
14 -
1/2 cup light sour cream, for serving
15 -
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, optional for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10) and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in 1 large yellow onion, diced, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
02 -
Stir in 1 (1.25 oz) packet low-sodium taco seasoning, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained), and 1 (4 oz) can mild green chiles (undrained) into the pot. Pour in 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, ensuring all ingredients are well combined for your One-Pot Taco Macaroni: Easy High-Protein Dinner.
03 -
Add 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni to the simmering mixture. Stir well to ensure the macaroni is submerged. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
04 -
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 cup 2% milk and 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more milk or broth. This step is key for the rich texture of your One-Pot Taco Macaroni: Easy High-Protein Dinner.
05 -
Let the One-Pot Taco Macaroni: Easy High-Protein Dinner rest, uncovered, for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped. For an optional kick, add thinly sliced 1 jalapeño.
06 -
Serve the One-Pot Taco Macaroni: Easy High-Protein Dinner immediately. Offer 1/2 cup light sour cream on the side for individual servings, along with any additional desired toppings like extra cheese or hot sauce. Enjoy this satisfying and easy meal!
# Notes:
01 -
For extra veggies, stir in 1 cup of frozen corn or black beans (rinsed and drained) with the diced tomatoes.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to restore creaminess.
03 -
Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for an even leaner option. Adjust cooking time slightly if using poultry.
04 -
Serve with a simple side salad or some warm tortillas for scooping up any extra sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
Measuring cups
03 -
Measuring spoons
04 -
Cutting board
05 -
Chef's knife
06 -
Wooden spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 485 kcal
Total Fat: 23 g
Total Carbohydrate: 39 g
Protein: 31 g