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5 from 2 votes

One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese

This One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese is loaded with ground beef, onions, bell peppers, garlic, taco seasoning, pasta shells, milk, broth, black beans, and THREE kinds of cheese: sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, and monterey jack cheese. Don't forget about the fun toppings like tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded lettuce, taco sauce, and more! Kid and adult approved!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 544kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 2 red pepper diced
  • 2 green pepper diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 (1.25 oz) packets taco seasoning divided *see directions below
  • 1 (16 oz) box medium pasta shells uncooked
  • 3 ½ cups milk
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 (8 oz) block sharp cheddar cheese shredded and divided
  • 1 (4 oz) block pepper jack cheese shredded and divided
  • 1 (4 oz) block monterey jack cheese shredded and divided
  • Tortilla chips, taco sauce, sour cream, shredded lettuce, salsa, jalapenos, etc. optional for topping
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat a large stockpot over medium heat.
  • Add in oil, beef, onion, red pepper, green pepper, garlic, and 2 packets of taco seasoning.
  • Cook, breaking up the beef as you go, until the meat is fully cooked through and the veggies are cooked to your liking, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in pasta shells, milk, broth, and water.
  • Bring mixture to a simmer, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until pasta is cooked to your liking. Stir OFTEN to prevent sticking.
  • To the pasta, add in the remaining packet of taco seasoning, black beans, and HALF the cheddar, pepper jack, and monterey jack. Stir until fully combined.
  • Optional baking steps: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Pour cooked pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
  • Serve with optional toppings and enjoy!
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Notes

Serves 8-12 people. Nutritional information is for 1/12th of the recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 544kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 1199mg | Potassium: 944mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2115IU | Vitamin C: 46.5mg | Calcium: 376mg | Iron: 2.5mg

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