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0 from 42 votes

One-Skillet Tex Mex Mac and Cheese

An EASY recipe that's made in ONE skillet so you don't have to cook the pasta separately!! Loaded with ground beef, peppers, tomatoes, cheese, and cilantro! A family FAVORITE that feeds a crowd!!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 357 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large/extra-large sweet vidalia onion diced small
  • 1 pound lean ground beef I used 90% lean
  • 1 large/extra large red bell pepper diced small
  • 1 cup corn I used frozen straight from the freezer
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni dry, uncooked
  • 1 cup water
  • One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes do not drain
  • one 8-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cumin plus more if desired
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano regular oregano may be substituted
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more if desired
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • pinch cayenne pepper optional and to taste
  • 1 to 2 cups shredded cheese I used a Mexican shredded cheese blend
  • fresh cilantro finely minced for garnishing

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To a large skillet, add the olive oil, onion, beef, and cook over medium-high heat until beef is cooked through and onion is soft and translucent, about 7 minutes; crumble beef and stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
  2. Add the bell pepper, corn, macaroni, water, tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, stir to combine.
  3. Lower heat to medium low, cover, and allow mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until pasta is tender and cooked through. Stir a couple times while simmering to ensure even cooking.
  4. Uncover, turn off the heat, add the cheese, and stir to combine and until melted. Taste and check for seasoning balance. If necessary add more salt or seasonings (I added an additional 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon of cumin).
  5. Evenly sprinkle the cilantro and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Extra will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Calories 357kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 18g (6%) Protein 26g (52%) Fat 21g (32%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Polyunsaturated Fat 10g Cholesterol 78mg (26%) Sodium 742mg (31%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 6g (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 357

% Daily Value*

Serving 1
Calories 357kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 18g 6%
Protein 26g 52%
Fat 21g 32%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10g 59%
Cholesterol 78mg 26%
Sodium 742mg 31%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 6g 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.