Taco Mac and Cheese

Saucy pasta in a bowl topped with a drizzle of white sauce and sliced green onions.

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Creamy cheesy pasta with the bold flavor of taco seasoning – this one-pot wonder takes about half an hour to make.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Tex-Mex Inspired

Servings:

Calories: 696kcal

Author: Jacqueline Piper

Equipment

Cuisinart 7 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Ingredients

1 tablespoon oil
1 onion finely diced
1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
1 lb pasta I use gemelli
3 cups water
1 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Heat a large pot with a lid over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and once heated add the onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until softening. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, 5-6 minutes. Drain excess oil.
Add the garlic, tomato pasta, and spices. Cook 1-2 minutes until the garlic and is fragrant and the tomato paste has darkened in color.
Add the water and milk. Bring to boil. Add the pasta and return to boil. Add the lid, turn the heat down to medium, and cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring every few minutes, or until the pasta is done. Add water as necessary.
Remove from the heat and add the cheese. Sir until it melts and then serve.

Video

Notes

I use gemelli which takes 11 minutes to cook at a rolling boil. It takes a 15-18 minutes over medium with a lid depending on how quickly it comes to a boil and I add the lid, etc. My perfect time may not be your perfect and that’s normal – this will vary on depending on your stove, the pot you use, the pasta you choose, etc. Keep an eye on your pasta and add water as needed, by the 1/4 to 1/2 cup.

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