Description
This Easy Creamy Taco Mac is a comforting, cheesy dinner combining seasoned ground beef, macaroni pasta, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with a flavorful taco twist. Ready in just 30 minutes, this skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family with its creamy texture and zesty notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz macaroni pasta
Seasonings and Vegetables
- 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
Dairy
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook macaroni: Prepare the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside for later use.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook together until the onions become translucent and fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
- Add seasonings and tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, drained diced tomatoes, and green chiles if you are using them. Allow the mixture to cook for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together well.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Lower the heat and add the cooked macaroni pasta, milk, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
- Season and garnish: Taste your creamy taco mac and season it with salt and pepper as needed. Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a bright, fresh garnish.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Drain excess fat thoroughly after browning the beef to avoid a greasy dish.
- Use a blend of cheeses for better melt and flavor balance; feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra zing.
- If you want a creamier texture, add a splash more milk when combining the pasta and cheese.
- Green chiles are optional but add a nice mild heat and flavor dimension.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve more people or to have leftovers.
