Description
This Easy Creamy Taco Mac is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and a cheesy taco-inspired sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that brings a delicious twist to classic macaroni and cheese with Mexican flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
Pasta
- 8 oz macaroni pasta
Produce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Canned Goods and Seasonings
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (4 oz) green chiles, optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a 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 to keep warm.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef in the skillet. Cook together until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, drained diced tomatoes, and optional green chiles. Let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to warm through.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked macaroni, milk, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt fully and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve immediately for a warm, hearty meal.
Notes
- Use whole milk for creamier texture, or substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Optional green chiles add a mild heat; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant finish but can be omitted or replaced with parsley if preferred.
- For an extra cheesy dish, sprinkle additional cheese on top before serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican American
