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One-Skillet Taco Mac - featured image

One-Skillet Taco Mac: Best 5-Day Meal Prep Lunch

  • Author: maria_scott
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x

Description

A quick, cheesy, and hearty one-skillet meal combining ground beef, elbow macaroni, and taco flavors. Designed for easy meal prep, this dish holds up well for up to five days and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup (240g) medium-chunk salsa
  • 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) taco seasoning
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Black beans, corn, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef into small crumbles. Cook until beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent (5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Pour in salsa, chicken broth, and dry elbow macaroni. Stir well to combine, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.
  4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking. Pasta should be tender but al dente.
  5. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. If too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sour cream if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook in the residual heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. For meal prep, store in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Can be frozen for up to 3 months, though pasta texture may soften.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
  • Calories: 475
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 20
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 25

Keywords: taco mac, one skillet meal, meal prep lunch, ground beef pasta, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, taco mac and cheese, quick weeknight dinner

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Find it online: https://foodestic.com/one-skillet-taco-mac-best-5-day-meal-prep-lunch/