Description
This Easy Creamy Taco Mac combines classic taco flavors with comforting creamy macaroni pasta, making it a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. Ground beef is seasoned with taco spices and mixed with sautéed onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, and optional green chiles, then combined with tender macaroni and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a flavorful and cheesy meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
Pasta
- 8 oz macaroni pasta
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles, optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté onions and garlic: To the browned beef in the skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add seasoning and tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, drained diced tomatoes, and green chiles if using. Cook this mixture for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Combine with pasta and cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cooked macaroni, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses have melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Season and garnish: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy green chiles depending on your heat preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use reduced-fat cheeses.
- Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes to prevent excess liquid making the dish watery.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the beef and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
