Description
Easy Creamy Taco Mac is a delicious one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheese sauce. This American-Mexican inspired dish offers a quick and comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights, blending classic taco flavors with a creamy pasta texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to coat the beef evenly with the spices.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and milk, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Make it Creamy: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve the creamy taco mac immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to vary the protein.
- Use low-fat dairy options to reduce fat content if desired.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
