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Taco Mac

Creamy Taco Mac: A Comforting Dish for Busy Nights

Creamy Taco Mac is a quick and delicious fusion of mac and cheese with bold taco flavors, perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Mixture
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a leaner version.
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning Use homemade seasoning for a personalized touch.
  • 1/2 cup Water Helps dissolve the taco seasoning and create a sauce.
For the Pasta and Cheese
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni Can substitute with any small pasta like penne or rotini.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Substitute with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for different profiles.
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Use other melting cheeses as an alternative.
For the Sauce and Toppings
  • 1 14.5 oz can Diced Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes work great for a fresher taste.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt or cream cheese.
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions Can replace with chopped parsley or cilantro.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Any neutral oil can be substituted.
  • 1/2 cup Milk Can use non-dairy milk for a dairy-free option.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Taco Mac
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s evenly browned and no longer pink. Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet, then return the skillet to the heat.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning and pour in 1/2 cup of water, mixing well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  3. While the beef is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
  4. In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
  5. Add the cooked macaroni and the beef mixture to the pot with the sautéed tomatoes. Gently fold everything together.
  6. Pour in 1/2 cup of milk, stirring well until everything is coated and the mixture looks creamy.
  7. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously over low heat until the cheeses melt completely.
  8. Remove the pot from heat and mix in the sour cream until it’s fully incorporated.
  9. Sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store Taco Mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Can freeze for up to 2 months.

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