Easy Creamy Taco Mac

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Introduction:
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with this Easy Creamy Taco Mac recipe. It’s a delicious twist on classic macaroni and cheese infused with the bold flavors of tacos. With creamy cheese sauce, seasoned ground beef, and tender pasta, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner in no time.

Ingredients:

For the Taco Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) milk
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Taco Mac:

  • 8 ounces (225g) elbow macaroni or any pasta shape of your choice
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) salsa
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, sour cream, avocado slices

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Taco Seasoning:

  • In a small bowl, mix together all the taco seasoning ingredients until well combined. Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:

  • Cook the elbow macaroni or pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Brown the Ground Beef:

  • In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  • Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

4. Add the Taco Seasoning and Salsa:

  • Sprinkle the cooked ground beef with the taco seasoning mixture.
  • Stir in the salsa and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until heated through and well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
  • Cook the sauce until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Combine Everything:

  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the seasoned ground beef and stir to combine.
  • Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the pasta and beef mixture, stirring until everything is well coated and combined.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

  • Serve the Easy Creamy Taco Mac hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, sour cream, or avocado slices.

Tips for Success:

  • Customize the recipe by adding your favorite taco toppings or additional ingredients such as black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers.
  • Use pre-packaged taco seasoning if you’re short on time.
  • Feel free to use any type of ground meat or meat substitute in place of ground beef.

Nutritional Information:
(Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)
  • Calories: Approximately 400-450
  • Total Fat: Approximately 20-25g
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-12g
  • Cholesterol: Approximately 70-80mg
  • Sodium: Approximately 600-700mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
  • Sugars: Approximately 3-4g
  • Protein: Approximately 20-25g

Recommendation:
This Easy Creamy Taco Mac is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with a side salad or some tortilla chips for a complete dinner. Enjoy the bold flavors and creamy texture of this comforting dish!

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