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One-Pot Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta (Budget-Friendly!)
This recipe is a flavourful beef dinner that’s easy on the wallet and perfect for a family of 4. You can find all the ingredients at Walmart under $100.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (look for marked-down packages)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (1.25 oz) packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 (16 oz) box elbow macaroni pasta
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 1 (10 oz) bag shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings (optional): Chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, avocado slices
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, taco seasoning mix, beef broth, and macaroni pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the black beans (if using) and most of the shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reserve a little cheese for topping.
- Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings like chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and avocado slices.
Tips:
- To save even more money, consider using Great Value brand ingredients at Walmart. They often have comparable quality to name brands at a lower price.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. You can add other vegetables like corn or diced zucchini, or use different types of beans.
- If you don’t have taco seasoning mix, you can make your own with a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
This recipe is a great way to stretch your grocery budget and create a delicious and satisfying meal for your family. Enjoy!