This Taco Macaroni and Cheese is a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic mac and cheese, combined with savory taco meat and seasoned tomatoes. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 boxes of Macaroni and Cheese (choose your preferred brand; additional ingredients typically needed are milk, water, and butter as specified on the box)
- 1 can of Rotel (seasoned chopped tomatoes)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning (water is usually required according to the packet’s instructions)
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Large spoon for stirring
Instructions:
Prepare the Macaroni and Cheese:
- In a large pot, cook the macaroni from the macaroni and cheese boxes according to the package instructions. Usually, this involves boiling the pasta in water until it is tender, draining it, and then adding the milk, butter, and cheese sauce mix. Stir everything well to make the cheese sauce smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Cook the Meat:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet.
- Cook the meat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns, until fully cooked, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
Add Taco Seasoning:
- Lower the heat to medium. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked meat.
- Add the water specified on the seasoning packet (usually about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) and stir the mixture well. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and is fragrant.
Incorporate Rotel Tomatoes:
- Add the can of Rotel tomatoes to the meat, including the juices. Stir well and simmer for 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture:
- Add the cooked and cheese-sauced macaroni to the skillet with the taco meat and tomato mixture.
- Stir gently to combine everything until the pasta is well coated with the taco meat and cheese sauce.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once everything is well mixed and heated through, your Taco Macaroni and Cheese is ready to serve.
- Garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, or jalapeños for an extra kick.
Tips:
- For a healthier version, opt for lean ground turkey and low-fat milk when preparing the macaroni and cheese.
- If you like more heat, add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes when mixing in the taco seasoning.
This dish is perfect for a quick meal and makes great leftovers for the next day!