Description
Taco Mac and Cheese is a delicious Tex-Mex twist on classic macaroni and cheese, combining cheesy goodness with seasoned ground beef and salsa for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Macaroni:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Taco Beef:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Taco Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat, add taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk. Cook until thickened. Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and salsa until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Mix the cheese sauce, taco beef, and macaroni in the skillet until coated. Serve warm with optional toppings.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or a plant-based ground for a lighter version.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or hot salsa.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
