Taco Mac & Cheese with Queso

Taco Mac & Cheese with Queso

6 servings
Only 5 ingredients! A quick and easy, budget-friendly meal made with elbow macaroni, ground beef, diced tomatoes and green chiles, taco seasoning and queso. A must-try for mac and cheese and queso fans!

Ingredients

  • box of elbow macaroni

    - prepared according to package

    16 oz
  • lean ground beef
    1 lb
  • packet of your favorite taco seasoning)

    - (1 ounce

    1
  • water
    ⅝ c
  • can of rotel)

    - (diced tomatoes and green chiles

    10 oz
  • jar of your favorite queso - or use homemade

    heated according to directions on jar

    15 oz

Directions

  1. 1

    Prepare elbow macaroni according to package and drain well.

  2. 2

    While macaroni is cooking, in a large skillet, brown and break up ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked, drain fat.

  3. 3

    Add water and taco seasoning – blend well and continue cooking for 4 minutes. Add Rotel to beef, blend well and reduce heat to low.

  4. 4

    Last, add cooked macaroni noodles and queso, gently folding the queso and noodles with the beef until well blended. Serve and enjoy!

Taco Mac & Cheese with Queso

Taco Mac & Cheese with Queso

5.0(37)6 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 37 ratings

sweetlittlebluebird.com
5.0(37 reviews)
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Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal that's ready in a flash? This 5-ingredient Taco Mac & Cheese with Queso is your new weeknight hero, bringing together two beloved comfort foods in one easy dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

What makes this Taco Mac & Cheese truly shine is its clever combination of pantry staples and bold flavors. The rich, creamy queso perfectly complements the seasoned ground beef, while the diced tomatoes and green chiles add a zesty kick, transforming simple elbow macaroni into a vibrant, satisfying main course. It's a smart way to get a big flavor payoff with minimal effort.

Prepare for a hearty, savory experience with every spoonful. You'll find tender elbow macaroni coated in a lusciously smooth, cheesy sauce that's bursting with savory taco spices and a subtle warmth from the green chiles. The seasoned lean ground beef provides a satisfying texture and deep, robust flavor, making this a truly comforting and filling meal that pleases both mac and cheese and taco enthusiasts alike. This dish delivers on its promise of big flavor and simple preparation.

While this recipe shines in its simplicity, feel free to make it your own. For a richer, fresher flavor, consider using a good quality homemade queso if you have the time, as the recipe suggests. If you prefer more spice, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be stirred in with the taco seasoning. You could also swap out the lean ground beef for ground turkey for a slightly lighter touch, though the robust taco flavors will still be prominent.

This Taco Mac & Cheese with Queso is a fantastic main course for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a crowd-pleasing twist on traditional comfort food. Serve it simply on its own, or with a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

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