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.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions are softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the beef mixture.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture to a serving dish or individual bowls. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Step 9

Serve warm and enjoy your Taco Mac Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2331.2 grams (2331.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4577

Total Fat 259.00g	332%
Saturated Fat 140.00g	700%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.90g
Cholesterol 871mg	290%
Sodium 3345mg	145%
Total Carbohydrate 328.70g	120%
Dietary Fiber 17.90g	64%
Total Sugars 50.60g
Protein 237.00g	474%

Vitamin D 185IU	925%
Calcium 3270mg	252%
Iron 22mg	122%
Potassium 2755mg	59%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.7%

Protein: 20.6%

Carbs: 28.6%