Taco Macaroni and Cheese

Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with this indulgent Taco Macaroni and Cheese! This one-pot wonder combines the creamy, cheesy decadence of classic mac and cheese with the bold, zesty flavors of a taco night favorite. Tender macaroni is coated in a velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a touch of sour cream, while seasoned ground beef and diced tomatoes with green chilies add a savory, Tex-Mex twist. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this hearty dish packs a punch of flavor in just 40 minutes. Garnish with fresh green onions for a pop of color and extra flair, and watch this crowd-pleaser become a new family favorite. Keywords: taco macaroni and cheese recipe, Tex-Mex mac and cheese, easy comfort food recipes, cheesy pasta dishes.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz macaroni pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 pcs green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3

Add the taco seasoning and 1 cup of water to the cooked beef. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.

Step 4

In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to form a roux.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6

Lower the heat to medium-low and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth.

Step 7

Mix in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Add the cooked macaroni pasta and the seasoned ground beef to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 9

Cook the mixture over low heat for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Step 10

Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2477.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4696.0

Total Fat 276.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 155.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 898.8mg	0%
Sodium 9568.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 343.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.3g	0%
Total Sugars 56.1g
Protein 225.2g	0%

Vitamin D 238.7IU	0%
Calcium 3554.5mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 3263.9mg	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: 52.3%

Protein: 18.9%

Carbs: 28.8%