A fusion of classic mac and cheese with the bold flavors of a taco night results in this Hearty High-Protein Taco Mac. It's the perfect dish for those who are looking for an easy-to-make meal that doesn't skimp on taste or protein. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or looking for a comforting dinner, this dish has you covered.
***Ingredients:
🍝 8 ounces elbow macaroni
🥩 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean)
🧅 1 medium onion, diced
🍅 2 cloves garlic, minced
🫒 1 tablespoon olive oil
🌮 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
🍅 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
🥛 1/2 cup milk
🧂 Salt, to taste
🌶️ Black pepper, to taste
🌿 Optional garnish: Fresh cilantro or green onions
***Instructions:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment: Large skillet, saucepan, colander, stirring utensil
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld with the meat.
- Add the undrained diced tomatoes to the skillet with the beef mixture. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the Taco Mac simmer on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow all the flavors to come together.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.
***Cooking Tips:
- To make this recipe even more nutritious, you can use whole wheat macaroni.
- For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef while it's cooking.
- You can also add black beans or corn to the mix for an extra boost of protein and fiber.
Servings: Serves 4-6
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