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['Close-up of creamy Taco Mac and Cheese, showcasing melted cheese and colorful toppings.', 'Side view of a bowl filled with Taco Mac and Cheese, garnished with pico de gallo and cilantro.', 'Juicy Taco Mac and Cheese with a rich texture, featuring ground beef and vibrant toppings.', 'Delicious Taco Mac and Cheese in a dish, highlighting the gooey cheese and fresh ingredients.']
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Taco Mac and Cheese

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 950
A flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese with taco-seasoned beef, tomatoes, and cheesy goodness topped with fresh pico de gallo and cilantro.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt, divided

Ground Beef

  • 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 tbsp neutral vegetable oil

Vegetables

  • 1 small finely diced yellow onion ((1 cup))
  • 3 cloves minced garlic

Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste

Canned Goods

  • 1 (14.5 oz) can drained fire-roasted diced tomatoes

Dairy & Fats

  • 2 tbsp salted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed to 100°F

Cheese

  • 8 oz freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese ((2 cups packed))
  • 4 oz freshly grated pepper jack cheese ((1 cup packed))

Spices & Garnishes

  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tbsp sour cream, optional for serving

Instructions 

  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water until very al dente, then drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  • Sauté onion and garlic in oil, add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in seasonings and tomatoes, then simmer.
  • Melt butter, add flour, cook briefly, then slowly whisk in warmed milk and simmer until thickened.
  • Remove from heat, add cheeses gradually, stirring until melted. Mix in black pepper and adjust seasoning.
  • Combine pasta with sauce, add reserved pasta water if needed, then top with pico de gallo, cilantro, and sour cream before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the spices before adding to the sauce.
Calories: 950kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Mac and Cheese