Go Back
+ servings
Taco Mac

Creamy Taco Mac: A Fun Twist on Comfort Food Bliss

Creamy Taco Mac merges cheese and taco-seasoned beef for a comforting dinner experience.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Beef Mixture
  • 1 lb ground beef Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • 1 packet taco seasoning Consider making your own blend with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
  • 1 cup water Helps dissolve the seasoning into a sauce for the taco flavor infusion.
Pasta Base
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni Can be replaced with penne or rotini for variety.
Cheesy Creaminess
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Swap for Monterey Jack for milder taste or Pepper Jack for extra heat.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Contributes a stretchy, melty texture to the dish.
  • ½ cup sour cream Substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
  • ½ cup milk Balances the richness of the cheeses.
Extras
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) Fresh tomatoes can be used for a burst of freshness.
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions Adds a refreshing crunch and color as a topping.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing the tomatoes and enhancing the overall flavor.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Pot

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened and fragrant.
  3. While the beef simmers, boil salted water in a separate pot. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  4. In the same pot used for the pasta, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add the drained macaroni back into the pot along with the beef mixture and sautéed tomatoes. Mix everything thoroughly.
  6. Pour in milk and stir until well combined. Gradually mix in shredded cheddar and shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy.
  7. Stir in sour cream until fully incorporated.
  8. Finish off with chopped green onions sprinkled on top before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Consider serving with crispy tortilla chips for added crunch. Adjust milk quantity for desired creaminess.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!