Beef Taco-Mac
A hearty, flavorful pasta dish combining seasoned beef, tender tomatoes, and spiral pasta, topped with melted Cheddar cheese—perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut beef steaks lengthwise into 1-inch wide strips and then crosswise into 1-inch pieces.
- In a Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add beef and chopped onion; cook and stir for 3 minutes.
- Season with salt.
- Stir in taco seasoning mix, diced tomatoes (undrained), uncooked rotini pasta, and water.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the beef in the taco seasoning mix for an hour before cooking. If you don't have rotini pasta, any short pasta like elbow macaroni or penne works well. You can also use ground beef instead of cubed steaks for a quicker cooking time. To spice things up, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Beef Taco-Mac with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. Top with sliced avocados, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for an extra layer of taste. This dish pairs beautifully with Hearty Taco Dip Supreme as an appetizer for a fun taco night.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it appears dry. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Taco-Mac contains roughly 803 calories, with 14g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the beef with diced mushrooms or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of water for more flavor, and add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the dish.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, use mild taco seasoning or omit it altogether for a milder flavor. You can also add a teaspoon of sugar to balance out the heat. For more spice, consider adding cayenne pepper or diced green chilies.
Can I freeze Beef Taco-Mac?
Yes, Beef Taco-Mac can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).