Taco Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced — this dish combines the richness of mac and cheese with the bold, smoky flavor of tacos for the ultimate weeknight comfort food.
Servings 4 servings
Calories 227kcal
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup tomato sauce or salsa
- ½ cup water
- 2 oz cream cheese softened, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and water. Mix well and let simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Tip: Swap the tomato sauce for salsa if you want a little more zip.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked macaroni and cream cheese to the skillet, tossing until the cream cheese melts in and the sauce turns glossy and creamy. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over top and stir until melted.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, or top with any of the options below. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 624mg | Potassium: 273mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 870IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 234mg | Iron: 1mg