Taco Mac and Cheese

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this Taco Mac and Cheese, the ultimate fusion of creamy, cheesy comfort and bold, zesty Tex-Mex flavors! This crowd-pleasing dish combines tender elbow macaroni with savory taco-seasoned ground beef, a luscious homemade cheese sauce featuring cheddar and Monterey Jack, and the spicy kick of diced tomatoes with green chilies. The recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings, while the optional garnish of fresh cilantro adds a burst of brightness. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or hosting a cozy dinner gathering, this hearty, flavor-packed meal is sure to be a hit. Keywords: Taco Mac and Cheese, creamy mac and cheese, Tex-Mex pasta, taco pasta bake, easy dinner recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz Elbow macaroni
• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 packet Taco seasoning
• 1 cup Water
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Milk
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 can Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions for al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3

Add the taco seasoning and 1 cup of water to the cooked beef. Stir well to combine and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly. Set the seasoned beef aside.

Step 4

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 5

Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, one handful at a time, until melted and smooth.

Step 7

Add the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained) to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 8

Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all noodles are well-coated.

Step 9

Add the seasoned ground beef to the pot with the mac and cheese. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your Taco Mac and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2386.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4641.4

Total Fat 254.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 137.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 833.1mg	0%
Sodium 9879.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 354.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.2g	0%
Total Sugars 57.4g
Protein 239.7g	0%

Vitamin D 346.1IU	0%
Calcium 3451.1mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 2987.7mg	0%

*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: 49.1%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 30.4%