One-Pan Taco Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 4 oz tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup salsa
• 16 oz shell pasta
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1.5 cups Mexican blend cheese (divided: 1¼ cups for stirring in and ¼ cup for topping)
• parsley (optional, for topping)
• beef broth or milk (a splash as needed if the pasta needs more cooking liquid)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and taco seasoning, then cook, breaking up the beef as it browns, until it is fully cooked.

2. 2

   Add the tomato sauce and salsa to the skillet. Stir until evenly combined with the beef.

3. 3

   Add the uncooked shell pasta, beef broth, and milk. Mix well.

4. 4

   Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.

5. 5

   Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. If it needs more time, continue cooking and add a splash of beef broth or milk as needed.

6. 6

   Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1¼ cups of the Mexican blend cheese until melted.

7. 7

   Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt.

8. 8

   Top with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Nutrition per serving

• dinner
• main
• one-pan
• stovetop
• comfort food