Description
Mac and cheese meets Mexican flair in this Taco Mac Magic recipe, blending creamy pasta with zesty taco-inspired flavors. Cheese lovers will savor each spicy, comforting bite that brings together two classic favorites in one irresistible dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or ground turkey
Pasta and Dairy Base:
- 2 boxes macaroni and cheese (your preferred brand)
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) milk
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) butter
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 can (10 ounces / 280 grams) Rotel (seasoned diced tomatoes)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) water
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and prepare cheese sauce following package instructions.
- Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook ground beef until thoroughly browned, breaking into small crumbles, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from meat, then return to pan. Sprinkle taco seasoning across surface and pour recommended water amount. Stir continuously until liquid reduces and meat is evenly coated.
- Pour Rotel tomatoes directly into seasoned meat mixture. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to slightly concentrate.
- Fold prepared macaroni and cheese into meat mixture, ensuring complete integration. Stir gently to prevent breaking pasta, heating for additional 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer to serving dish. Optional: Garnish with shredded cheese, dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, or chopped cilantro for enhanced presentation and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s hearty texture and flavor profile.
- Use whole wheat macaroni to boost nutritional value and add a nutty undertone to the creamy base.
- Control sodium levels by selecting low-sodium taco seasoning and reducing added salt during preparation.
- Opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream as a healthier topping that provides similar tangy richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg