Description
Taco Mac is a comforting and hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a creamy blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Enhanced with diced tomatoes, sour cream, and fresh green onions, this skillet-cooked recipe delivers a flavorful Mexican-inspired twist on classic macaroni and cheese – perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Fat: Remove any excess fat from the skillet, then return the skillet to heat.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1 cup water, mixing well to combine and simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Cook Macaroni: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Tomatoes: In the same pot used for pasta, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced tomatoes with juices and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked macaroni and beef mixture to the pot with tomatoes. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients well.
- Add Milk and Cheeses: Stir in milk, then add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Cook while stirring until cheeses melt, forming a creamy sauce.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Mix in sour cream until fully blended and the dish is creamy and smooth.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, top with chopped green onions, and serve hot for a delicious taco-flavored macaroni dish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories.
- Adjust seasoning according to your spice preference—add extra taco seasoning or a pinch of chili powder for more heat.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or use low-fat cheese options.
- Make sure to stir the cheese mixture continuously to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of the pot.
- This dish can also be prepared ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
