One-Skillet Tex Mex Beef Mac & Cheese

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One-Skillet Tex Mex Beef Mac & Cheese is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the comforting flavors of mac and cheese with the vibrant, spicy elements of Tex Mex cuisine. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, requiring minimal cleanup and offering maximum flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • One sizable sweet Vidalia onion, finely chopped.
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • One big red bell pepper, finely diced.
  • 1 cup corn (frozen, used straight from the freezer)
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni (dry, uncooked)
  • 1 cup water
  • One can of diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounces, without draining.
  • 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cumin (plus more if desired)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano (regular oregano can be substituted)
  • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt (and additional if desired)
  • 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 to 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican shredded cheese blend)
  • Fresh cilantro, finely minced for garnishing

Instructions

  1. Heat the Skillet: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
  3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add Corn and Spices: Stir in the corn, cumin, chili powder, Mexican oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
  5. Incorporate the Macaroni and Liquids: Add the dry elbow macaroni, water, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
  6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the liquid has mostly been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Add Cheese: Once the macaroni is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Take the skillet off the heat. Garnish with finely minced fresh cilantro before serving.

Conclusion

One-Skillet Tex Mex Beef Mac & Cheese is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that will become a staple in your dinner rotation. With its combination of tender macaroni, seasoned beef, and melted cheese, all infused with the rich spices of Tex Mex cuisine, this dish offers a satisfying and comforting dining experience. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of this one-skillet wonder!