Taco Macaroni and Cheese
Taco Macaroni and Cheese is a cozy and cheesy dish with a fun taco twist, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and easy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 to 3 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained drained a little if you want it less saucy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese shredding your own cheese melts smoother
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack
- 2 cups milk any kind, whole milk is extra cozy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour for a quick cheese sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- sour cream
- chopped cilantro
- green onions
- crushed tortilla chips
- jalapenos
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your macaroni until just tender, then drain.
Browning the Meat
- In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef with diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft.
- Drain extra grease if needed and add garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds.
Adding Taco Flavor
- Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir to coat everything.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chiles and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Making it Creamy
- Push the meat mixture to the sides and add butter to the center, letting it melt.
- Sprinkle flour on top and stir for about 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in milk while stirring until it thickens into a quick sauce.
Combining Cheese and Pasta
- Turn the heat to low and stir in shredded cheeses a handful at a time until melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni and stir until everything is coated and glossy.
Final Touches
- Add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add chili powder or hot sauce for a kick.
Notes
Keep the heat low when adding cheese to avoid graininess. Do not overcook the pasta. Let it sit for 3 minutes before serving to help the sauce cling to the noodles. If it thickens too much, add a splash of milk.