Macaroni and Cheese Taco
Take your taco night to bold, mouthwatering new heights with this Macaroni and Cheese Taco recipe—a genius fusion of two comfort food favorites! Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is smothered in a creamy, homemade cheddar cheese sauce infused with a hint of paprika and optional cayenne for a subtle kick. This velvety macaroni filling is paired with savory, taco-seasoned ground beef or plant-based meat and nestled inside crispy hard taco shells. Topped with fresh green onions and a dollop of tangy sour cream, these tacos are the ultimate blend of cheesy indulgence and Tex-Mex spice. Ready in just 35 minutes, this creative recipe is an easy, family-friendly dinner that's sure to impress. Whether you're craving cheesy comfort or taco-inspired excitement, these Macaroni and Cheese Tacos deliver a truly irresistible flavor experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 1.5 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup Ground beef or plant-based meat
- 1 tablespoon Taco seasoning
- 6 Hard taco shells
- 2 tablespoons Green onions, chopped
- 0.25 cup Sour cream
Instructions
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a roux forms.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or plant-based meat until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces. Drain any excess fat, if needed.
Stir in the taco seasoning and 2 tablespoons of water, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Warm the taco shells according to package instructions (typically in the oven or microwave).
Fill each taco shell with a scoop of the macaroni and cheese, followed by a layer of seasoned ground beef.
Top with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream to garnish.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Macaroni and Cheese Tacos!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
427 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.4 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.2 g | 71% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 81 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 666 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.4 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 19.1 g | 38% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 284 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 246 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
