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Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.1 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This Taco Mac and Cheese recipe combines the comforting creaminess of classic mac and cheese with bold taco flavors, making for a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices and zesty Rotel tomatoes is mixed into a rich cheddar cheese sauce coating tender elbow macaroni, garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions for a tasty twist.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni noodles

Meat & Seasoning

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 packet (3 tablespoons) taco seasoning
  • 10 ounce can Rotel tomatoes

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1.5 cups half and half
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced green onion

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, and cook while crumbling with a spatula until browned and fully cooked through.
  3. Season Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes, then let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Remove from heat, set aside, and clean out the pan.
  4. Make Roux: Melt butter in the cleaned sauté pan over medium-low heat. When it starts to bubble, add flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
  5. Add Dairy & Spices: Gradually whisk in half and half until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Melt Cheese: Slowly add shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.
  8. Add Taco Meat: Fold in the taco meat mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the finished dish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions before serving hot.
  10. Enjoy and Review: If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star review to share your experience!

Notes

  • Cook pasta slightly less than al dente if you plan to bake this dish later to prevent overcooking.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a robust cheesy flavor, or substitute with a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack for variation.
  • Adjust taco seasoning amount based on spice preference; reduce if you prefer milder dishes.
  • This recipe can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
  • For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey and low-fat cheese.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/taco-mac-and-cheese-recipe/