Taco Mac and Cheese
Taco Mac and Cheese combines creamy pasta with zesty taco seasoning and ground beef for a quick, flavorful meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you love)
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
Seasoning and Liquids
- 1 packet taco seasoning Feel free to use homemade if you're feeling adventurous.
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with green chilies for an extra kick) Do not drain.
- ½ cup milk This adds extra creaminess.
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Because we all know cheese is life.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro Add to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper and cook until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the taco seasoning to the cooked beef, mixing well to coat. Stir in the diced tomatoes and the water. Bring to a simmer.
- Once it’s bubbling, stir in the drained macaroni. Then, add the milk and half of the cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and everything is combined into a glorious, creamy mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. If you want a little bubbly goodness, pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is all melty and golden.
- Dish it out and throw on any of your favorite toppings like sour cream and jalapeños.
Notes
Customize by adding black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers. For extra creaminess, add some queso. This recipe can easily be doubled and is great for meal prep. Store in the fridge for up to 3-5 days and reheat with a splash of milk.