One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a cheap, budget-friendly dinner that is quick to prepare and super filling! This Mexican style macaroni and cheese is a stick-to-your-ribs comfort food that costs less than $15.
Honestly, if I had to pick my two favorite foods of all time, they would be tacos and macaroni and cheese. I have a feeling there are a lot of folks that would back me up on this. Am I right? Something about each of these dishes is so comforting to me. It probably has something to do with my favorite food group: cheese.
What could be better than marrying tacos with mac and cheese? Nothing, the answer is nothing.
One reason why I love this recipe is because everything comes together in one pot. I usually don’t make cheesy dishes during the week because a] I try to eat healthy on weeknights and b] more importantly, they make a mess! Well, fret not. Clean up is a breeze when you also have to wash one pot and a few dishes!
Let’s talk budget
I made a commitment to you guys that I would start sharing more budget friendly dinners. Well, I think I nailed this one on the head. Anyone who is trying to save a buck knows that pasta goes a LONG way. Especially when you buy it BOGO [buy one get one]. This entire dish cost me less than $15 at Publix, my local grocery store. The recipe can feed a family of five, depending on how old your children are, so if you do the math, that’s $3 per person. Add a bag salad and you have a complete meal!
Check out the recipe below. If you try it, post it on Instagram and tag me @bluecheesebungalow.
Looking for other budget friendly meals? Check out my recipes for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole or Easy Cajun Jambalaya Pasta.
Kelsey Renee
One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound box rotini pasta
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese (cut into large cubes)
- 4.5 ounce can diced green chilies
- ½ yellow onion (diced)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 ounce can petite-diced tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water
Optional Toppings
- 1 small vine ripened tomato (diced into small cubes)
- 4.5 ounce can sliced black olives
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- 1. In a large pot over medium high heat, brown beef and onions until meat is fully cooked.
- 2. Add taco seasoning, salt, entire contents of diced tomatoes and water. Bring to a boil.
- 3. Stir in uncooked pasta. Boil for 7-10 minutes until pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to keep pasta from sticking to bottom of pot.
- 4. Turn heat to low. Stir in green chilies and cheese. Stir continuously. Once cheese is completely melted, pasta is ready to be served.
- 5. Serve in individual bowls topped with diced tomato, cilantro and black olives.
- 6. Enjoy!
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