Description
This Taco Mac and Cheese recipe combines the comforting creaminess of classic mac and cheese with the bold, zesty flavors of taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Featuring a hearty mix of ground beef or turkey, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and a creamy sauce made from milk and cream cheese, this dish is both satisfying and flavorful. It’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, with optional toppings like tortilla chips, jalapeños, cilantro, or avocado to customize it to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
Garnishes and Toppings
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: tortilla chips, jalapeños, cilantro, or diced avocado
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir the taco seasoning packet and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies into the browned meat. Allow this mixture to cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring, so the flavors meld nicely.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate pot over medium heat, warm the milk and cream cheese together, whisking frequently until the cream cheese fully melts. Gradually add in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until you have a smooth, creamy cheese sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat all the noodles. Then fold in the seasoned meat mixture until everything is evenly combined and heated through.
- Serve: Spoon the Taco Mac and Cheese into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Add any optional toppings such as crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for beef and use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheeses.
- You can prepare this dish ahead of time by making the cheese sauce and meat mixture separately, then combining with cooked pasta just before serving.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning and jalapeños.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing the meat with a plant-based protein or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
