Taco Macaroni Skillet

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 oz ground beef
• 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup red bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup low-sodium tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
3. Add taco seasoning mix to the ground beef and stir to combine.
4. Add diced red bell peppers and corn kernels to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in the cooked macaroni, black beans, and tomato sauce. Mix well.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbling and hot throughout.
7. Top with shredded lettuce, low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving)

• Calories: Approx. 400-450 calories per serving (depending on ingredients used)
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g
• Protein: 25-30g

Dish Characteristics:

• This dish combines the flavors of traditional tacos with macaroni pasta, creating a unique and hearty meal.
• The use of taco seasoning and black beans gives the dish a Mexican-American flavor profile.
• It's a great way to use up leftover macaroni or any type of pasta.

User Comments:

1. "This was an unexpected hit! My family loved the combination of flavors."
2. "I used whole-wheat macaroni and lean ground turkey for a healthier version. It was still delicious."
3. "I added some diced tomatoes for more flavor and texture."
4. "This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's hearty and flavorful, yet easy to prepare."
5. "I love the combination of the pasta and taco flavors. It's a unique dish that my guests always enjoy."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
• Adjust the seasoning mix according to your preference for spice level.
• Feel free to add or subtract ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. This dish is easy to customize.