Description
Comforting Taco Mac brings Mexican-inspired zest to classic mac and cheese, blending spicy ground beef with creamy pasta perfection. Cheese-lovers and taco enthusiasts will devour this quick, satisfying meal that promises delicious comfort in every hearty bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
Pasta and Dairy:
- 2 boxes macaroni and cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 can Rotel (seasoned diced tomatoes)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions in a large pot, ensuring al dente texture at about 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high temperature and brown ground meat until no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from meat, then return skillet to stove and sprinkle taco seasoning, stirring to coat meat completely.
- Pour recommended water quantity into meat mixture, allowing seasoning to activate and create a rich sauce for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Rotel tomatoes directly into seasoned meat, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly and create a vibrant mixture.
- Once macaroni is drained, transfer directly into meat and tomato mixture, folding carefully to ensure thorough incorporation.
- Continue heating combined mixture for additional 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and cheese to become creamy and cohesive.
- Transfer hot Taco Mac to serving dishes, ensuring each portion receives equal amounts of meat, pasta, and zesty tomato elements.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that keeps the zesty taco flavor intact.
- Opt for whole wheat macaroni to boost nutritional value and add a nutty undertone to the dish.
- Use low-sodium taco seasoning and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter, heart-friendly meal without sacrificing taste.
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top for an extra burst of freshness and color that elevates the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg