Taco Mac and Cheese
A cozy one-pot Taco Mac and Cheese with creamy cheese, tender beef, and bold taco flavor. Easy, fast, and family approved.
Servings 6
Calories 473kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning or 1 packet
- 8 oz elbow macaroni about 2 cups, uncooked
- 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies or 10 ounces salsa
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
- chopped cilantro optional
Instructions
- Get prepped: Dice 1 medium onion, mince 3 cloves garlic, and cube 4 ounces cream cheese.
- Cook the beef: Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain if needed.
- Add the onion and garlic: Stir in the diced onion and cook until it softens. Add the garlic and cook for about a minute until it smells good.
- Season it up: Add 2 tablespoons taco seasoning and mix everything together.
- Add pasta and liquids: Add 8 oz elbow macaroni, 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (or salsa), 2 cups beef broth, and 2 cups milk. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and cover. Cook for about 12 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Make it cheesy: Stir in 2 cups shredded cheese and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Top with chopped cilantro if you like it.
Notes
- Stir every few minutes so the pasta cooks evenly.
- If the sauce gets too thick, splash in a little milk.
- If you want it saucier, add an extra 1/2 cup broth.
- For more heat, use hot Rotel or add diced jalapenos.
- Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 473kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 755mg | Potassium: 711mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 645IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 357mg | Iron: 3mg
