Taco Macaroni and Cheese with Burger

Get ready to elevate comfort food to the next level with this irresistible Taco Macaroni and Cheese with Burger recipe! A fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness and bold taco flavors, this dish is a weeknight dinner dream. Tender elbow macaroni is tossed in a rich cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese sauce, seasoned with smoky paprika, garlic, and onion powder for extra depth. Juicy ground beef simmered with taco seasoning adds a hearty, savory kick, while a dollop of sour cream infuses a tangy creaminess. Perfectly balanced and easy to make, this one-pot wonder comes together in just 40 minutes, serving up to six hungry diners. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness, and enjoy a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Whether you're hosting Taco Tuesday or craving something new for mac and cheese night, this recipe delivers on all fronts!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz Elbow macaroni
• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 packet Taco seasoning
• 1 cup Water
• 2 tbsp Salted butter
• 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Whole milk
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp Onion powder
• 0.25 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Sour cream
• 2 tbsp Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3

Add the taco seasoning and 1 cup of water to the cooked ground beef. Stir well and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the liquid thickens and is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the sour cream and mix until combined.

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, prepared cheese sauce, and taco-seasoned ground beef. Stir gently until everything is well incorporated.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to a large serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy your Taco Macaroni and Cheese with Burger!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2056.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4490.0

Total Fat 252.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 139.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 820.3mg	0%
Sodium 9955.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 330.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.5g	0%
Total Sugars 43.4g
Protein 231.5g	0%

Vitamin D 252.9IU	0%
Calcium 3244.6mg	0%
Iron 21.4mg	0%
Potassium 1970.9mg	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: 50.3%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 29.2%