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Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.2 from 8 reviews

This Taco Mac and Cheese recipe combines the creamy comfort of classic mac and cheese with the bold, spicy flavors of taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes, creating a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for a quick dinner.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Base

  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
  • 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (or salsa)

Pasta and Dairy

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups, uncooked)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed

Garnish

  • Chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Get prepped: Dice the medium onion, mince the garlic cloves, and cube the softened cream cheese to have all ingredients ready for cooking.
  2. Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure even cooking. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add the onion and garlic: Stir in the diced onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Season it up: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to evenly incorporate the flavors throughout.
  5. Add pasta and liquids: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (or salsa), beef broth, and milk to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine.
  6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  7. Make it cheesy: Remove the lid and stir in shredded cheese and cubed cream cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  8. Finish and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Use your preferred cheese blend; Mexican blend cheese adds a nice spicy flavor.
  • Stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
  • For extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
  • This dish is best served fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/taco-mac-and-cheese-recipe/