Description
This Easy Creamy Taco Mac is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender macaroni pasta with seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and a hint of spicy green chiles. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
Produce and Canned Goods
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles (optional)
Pantry
- 8 oz macaroni pasta
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook, stirring often, 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. Let the mixture cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together, stirring occasionally.
- Combine with pasta and cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked macaroni, milk, shredded cheddar, and shredded mozzarella to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Season and garnish: Taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add jalapeños or use a spicy taco seasoning blend.
- To make it lighter, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef and use low-fat cheese and milk.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the milk slightly or add a tablespoon of cream cheese.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
