Easy One-Pot Taco Casserole Recipe
This Easy One-Pot Taco Casserole is a flavorful, hearty meal combining seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a blend of tomatoes and green chiles. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a convenient, cheesy casserole perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
- 1 Package McCormick Taco Seasoning (low sodium)
Liquids and Vegetables
- 2 Cups Water
- 1 Can Diced Tomatoes (15 oz, low sodium)
- 1 Can Tomato Sauce (15 oz, low sodium)
- 1 Can Green Chiles (4 oz)
- 1 Cup Frozen Whole Kernel Corn
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 Cups Uncooked Elbow Macaroni
- 1 Cup Shredded Colby/Jack Cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a 3-quart pot over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess fat, then return the beef to the pot.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, water, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chiles, and frozen corn. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot, reduce heat to low, then cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.
- Add Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle the shredded Colby/Jack cheese evenly over the top and cover the pot.
- Serve: Let the cheese melt from the residual heat, then serve the taco casserole warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use diced tomatoes with green chilies or add jalapeños.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Stir the casserole occasionally while cooking the pasta to prevent sticking or burning.
- Leftovers store well and reheat easily for next-day meals.
Keywords: taco casserole, one-pot meal, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, Mexican casserole, quick dinner idea, skillet casserole
