Taco Mac and Cheese

Stovetop Taco Mac and Cheese is packed with tasty flavor using easy ingredients in just 30 minutes, a great meal option for those busy weeknights! Enjoy it with garnishes such as sour cream, crushed corn chips, and diced tomatoes!

5 from 2 votes

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: taco mac, taco macaroni and cheese

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings: people

Calories: 663kcal

EQUIPMENT

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Dutch Oven
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Wooden spoon

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small white onion diced
1 pound ground beef
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2½ cups beef broth
1 cup salsa
2 tablespoons taco seasoning or a (1oz.) packet
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 cups medium pasta shells uncooked
4 ounces cream cheese
3 cups shredded cheese divided
sour cream optional topping
crushed corn chips optional topping
green onions optional topping
diced tomatoes optional topping
avocados optional topping

INSTRUCTIONS

In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it is soft and translucient.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small white onion
Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper, and use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it browns.
1 pound ground beef, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Once browned, drain the fat and stir in the beef broth, salsa, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and pasta.
2½ cups beef broth, 1 cup salsa, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 3 cups medium pasta shells
Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and allow to cook for about 15 minutes over low heat, stirring the mixture every 5 minutes or so. Remove the lid. If the liquid is absorbed, you can move to the next step. Otherwise, leave the lid off and cook for a few more minutes to allow the extra moisture to steam off.
Remove from heat and add the cream cheese and 2 cups of shredded cheese (reserve the other cup of cheese to use as a topping). Stir until the cheese is completely melted.
4 ounces cream cheese, 3 cups shredded cheese
Once the cheese is fully incorporated and you're ready to serve, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Serve with sour cream, corn chips, green onions, diced tomatoes, and avocados on the side as well as any other desired toppings.
sour cream, crushed corn chips, green onions, diced tomatoes, avocados

NOTES

How To Store Leftovers: Transfer any leftover Stovetop Taco Mac and Cheese into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Leftovers can then be enjoyed for up to 5 days. To store for longer, place the leftovers in the freezer and use them up within 3 months.
How To Reheat Leftovers: Leftovers can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave until they're thoroughly heated. It's best to add a little more beef broth while reheating to help incorporate the ingredients together again. If you're reheating from frozen, I'd first suggest allowing the leftovers to defrost before reheating fully. This will give the pasta a better texture!
Can I Still Make This Recipe If I Don't Have A Dutch Oven? Absolutely! Instead of using a Dutch oven to make this recipe, you can just use a deep heavy-bottomed skillet or pot with a lid.
Is There A Substitution For Beef Broth? Yes, an equal amount of chicken broth can be used in place of beef broth.
Can I Use A Package Of Spicy Taco Seasoning In This Recipe? Yes, feel free to make this recipe using whatever package of taco seasoning that you like!

NUTRITION