Description
This Taco Mac and Cheese recipe combines the flavors of traditional mac and cheese with the zesty kick of tacos, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Cheesy, creamy, and packed with seasoned ground beef, it’s a comforting dish with a Tex-Mex twist.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Taco Seasoned Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
For the Macaroni and Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Diced tomatoes and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Taco Seasoned Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly whisk in milk. Cook until thickened, then stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Mix the cheese sauce, cooked pasta, and taco-seasoned beef in a pot or skillet. Heat through and garnish with cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapeños. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use pepper jack cheese or add hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
