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Taco Mac and Cheese

Taco Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Adaptable (Vegetarian & Gluten-Free options available)

Description

Taco Mac and Cheese is a quick, comforting meal that blends creamy mac and cheese with zesty taco-inspired flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or game days, this one-pot dish features tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground meat, and a rich, cheesy sauce with a bold taco twist. Easy to customize and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a family favorite that combines convenience with bold, satisfying taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Protein

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey

Seasonings & Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy & Fats

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 ½ cups milk

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the Meat and Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Add Taco Seasoning and Tomatoes: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and stir well to coat evenly. Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies, stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese and taco meat mixture, stirring gently to coat all pasta evenly with the rich, cheesy taco sauce.

Notes

  • Use shredded cheese for creamier sauce—pre-shredded cheese may contain additives.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid overcooking after mixing with sauce.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting as you go to prevent overpowering flavors.
  • Keep the sauce warm on low heat to avoid grainy or separated cheese sauce.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One-pot stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: taco mac and cheese, quick dinner, one-pot meal, comfort food, cheesy pasta, taco recipe, family dinner

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