Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make Taco Mac & Cheese:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef, ground turkey, or a combination of both
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot depending on preference)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape of choice)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or a blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra spice)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
- Jalapeños or sliced olives for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights for Taco Mac & Cheese
- Ground Meat: Ground beef or turkey is the classic choice for this recipe, providing a savory base for the taco seasoning. You can swap for other proteins like ground chicken or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
- Taco Seasoning: Taco seasoning is the secret ingredient that adds all the bold flavors that make Taco Mac & Cheese stand out. You can either use store-bought seasoning or make your own at home with spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cheese: Cheese is what makes mac and cheese so creamy and comforting. A combination of cheddar and Mexican cheese blend creates the perfect melty texture, but feel free to use your favorite types of cheese.
- Salsa: The salsa adds both moisture and flavor, giving the dish a nice kick and some tanginess. You can use store-bought or homemade salsa depending on your preference.
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for mac and cheese, but any short pasta like penne or rotini works as well. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat
- Heat the Oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s browned and fully cooked. If using turkey or lean beef, you may want to drain off any excess fat.
- Add the Onion: Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 2: Add Taco Seasoning and Salsa
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked meat, followed by the garlic powder, chili powder (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
- Add Salsa: Pour in the salsa and stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta) according to the package directions, until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Broth, and Cheese
- Add the Pasta: Once the taco meat mixture is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the taco meat and salsa mixture. Stir to combine.
- Pour in Broth and Cream: Add the chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream to the pan, stirring to mix everything together.
- Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Mexican cheese blend, continuing to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer on low for 5-7 minutes, allowing everything to come together. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or taco seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Once the dish is ready, serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and any other toppings you prefer, such as sliced jalapeños or black olives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
- Calories: 400-450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 30g