Description
Mexican-inspired taco macaroni and cheese delivers a spicy, creamy comfort dish packed with bold flavors. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and zesty toppings create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 boxes macaroni and cheese
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Canned Ingredients:
- 1 can Rotel (seasoned diced tomatoes)
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, following package instructions for precise cooking time.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and crumble ground beef, cooking until no pink remains and meat is evenly browned.
- Drain excess grease from beef using a colander, then return meat to the skillet.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over browned beef and pour in Rotel tomatoes, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
- Simmer beef mixture for 3-4 minutes, allowing seasonings to meld and liquid to slightly reduce.
- Drain cooked macaroni and transfer to the skillet with seasoned beef.
- Gently fold macaroni and beef together, ensuring even distribution of ingredients and warming through on low heat.
- Transfer to serving dishes, garnishing with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot for maximum flavor and creamy texture.
Notes
- Customize Spice Levels by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery hot.
- Transform into Vegetarian Delight by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed alternative.
- Enhance Flavor Depth by adding fresh chopped cilantro, diced green onions, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to elevate the taco-mac fusion.
- Meal Prep Friendly dish that stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner leftovers.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg