Cheesy Taco Mac Recipe 😋🌮
Ingredients:
- 2 boxes of Velveeta Shells and Cheese
- 1 pound of ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (10 ounces) of diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onion, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Follow the instructions on the Velveeta Shells and Cheese boxes to cook the pasta until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Taco Meat:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Season the Meat:
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the cooked meat. Follow the instructions on the taco seasoning packet, adding the required amount of water. Stir well to combine. Simmer for a few minutes until the seasoning has thickened and coated the meat.
- Combine Pasta and Taco Meat:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the seasoned taco meat. Mix them together until well combined.
- Add Rotel:
- Open the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), and pour it over the pasta and meat mixture. Gently stir to incorporate the Rotel into the dish. The tomatoes and chilies will add a zesty kick to your Taco Mac.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Dish up your cheesy Taco Mac onto plates or into bowls. You can garnish it with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onion, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños, depending on your preferences.
- Enjoy!
- Serve your delicious Taco Mac hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful combination of tacos and mac ‘n’ cheese!
Here are some tips to make your Cheesy Taco Mac even more irresistible:
Customize Your Taco Seasoning: Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less taco seasoning mix according to your taste preference. You can also try using homemade taco seasoning for a personalized flavor profile.
Variety of Proteins: Experiment with different proteins like ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or black beans for a vegetarian version. This adds versatility to the dish and allows you to cater to different dietary needs.
Enhance the Flavor: Boost the flavor of the taco meat by adding minced garlic, diced onions, or bell peppers while cooking. These aromatic ingredients add depth and complexity to the dish.
Cheese Options: While Velveeta Shells and Cheese provide a creamy base, you can enhance the cheesiness by stirring in additional shredded cheese of your choice. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese are great options to consider.
Creamy Consistency: To achieve an extra creamy texture, mix in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream into the pasta and meat mixture before serving. This adds richness and creaminess to every bite.
Layered Toppings: Arrange your toppings in layers to ensure each serving is visually appealing and packed with flavor. Start with a base of shredded cheese, followed by diced tomatoes, cilantro, onions, sour cream, and jalapeños for a vibrant and delicious presentation.
Bake for Crispy Topping: For a crunchy twist, transfer the assembled Taco Mac into a baking dish, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This creates a golden crust on top, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Leftover Transformation: Turn any leftovers into a new meal by stuffing them into bell peppers, mixing them into a quesadilla filling, or using them as a topping for loaded nachos. This prevents food waste and provides a tasty meal for another day.
By incorporating these tips, you can take your Cheesy Taco Mac to the next level and delight your taste buds with a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion
