Description
This Taco Mac and Cheese recipe combines the comforting creaminess of classic mac and cheese with the bold, spicy flavors of taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Ground beef is browned and seasoned to perfection, then mixed into a rich cheese sauce with elbow macaroni, creating a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for casual dinners or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
Cheese Sauce
- 4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes and Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Optional toppings: tortilla chips, jalapeños, cilantro, or diced avocado
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies into the browned meat. Cook together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld, stirring frequently.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate pot over medium heat, warm the milk and cream cheese, whisking continuously until the cream cheese melts completely. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat all the pasta. Then, fold in the seasoned meat mixture until everything is evenly combined.
- Serve: Spoon the Taco Mac and Cheese into serving bowls. Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions. Add any optional toppings such as crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- For a spicier dish, add jalapeños or use a hot taco seasoning blend.
- Feel free to substitute the cheeses with your favorite melting cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and verify that the taco seasoning is gluten-free.
