Taco Mac Cheese
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food mashup with Taco Mac Cheese! This flavorful recipe combines the cheesy, creamy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the bold, zesty spices of taco night. Tender elbow macaroni is tossed in a luscious blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese sauce, then paired with seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and garlic for a delectable fusion of textures and flavors. A hint of cream cheese adds silky richness, while optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream bring a bright and refreshing finishing touch. Ready in just 45 minutes and perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings, this irresistible dish will be your new go-to for satisfying cravings. Keywords: taco mac cheese recipe, taco mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy taco pasta.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup water
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1.5 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 0.5 cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture, then pour in the water. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the beef mixture.
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm. Gradually whisk in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until a smooth cheese sauce forms.
Combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and beef mixture in a large mixing bowl or the pot used to cook the macaroni. Mix well to ensure the macaroni is fully coated and the beef is evenly distributed.
Transfer the mixture to a serving dish or individual bowls. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your Taco Mac Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
784 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.9 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.4 g | 122% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 145 mg | 48% | |
| Sodium | 764 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 55.9 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.0 g | ||
| Protein | 38.7 g | 77% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 561 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 498 mg | 11% | |
*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.
