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Pot of macaroni with ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese.

Easy Taco Mac and Cheese

Contributor: Christine Pittman

Adding seasoned beef to mac n cheese takes it from side dish to main meal, especially if you add salsa, seasonings, and toppings that turn it into a tasty taco mac. You can optionally add your favorite taco toppings on top, like avocado, sour cream and cilantro.

  • Author: Christine Pittman
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Entrée
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 oz. elbow macaroni
  • 1.3 lbs. lean ground beef
  • 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
  2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and spread it out. Allow to  cook undisturbed until browning underneath, 3-4 minutes. Flip and stir. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through fully, another 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning and then stir in the broth. Once mixed in, add the salsa and stir. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, 2-3 minutes.
  4. Take off of the heat. Stir in the cream. Stir in the cheese and keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted, about 1 minute.
  5. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the sauce and stir to coat.
  6. Stir in the tomatoes and green onion and serve.

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