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20-minute Taco Mac and Cheese

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5 from 3 reviews

This 20-minute Taco Mac and Cheese is one of our go-to weeknight dinner recipes. With a homemade cheese sauce and combines all the flavors of tacos with the comfort and mac and cheese.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 20 mins

Yield: 4-5 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Taco meat:

  • 8 ounces small-shaped pasta (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning (see below)
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped

Cheese sauce:

Taco seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1.5 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of water to boil, cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown meat: In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. I love using this tool.
  3. Season: Stir taco seasoning with a splash of water to form a paste. Add to beef with bell pepper, simmer 5 mins.
  4. Blend sauce: Blend cottage cheese until smooth. Add salsa, milk, and flour, blending until creamy.
  5. Combine: Stir sauce and cheddar into beef mixture until cheese melts.
  6. Add pasta: Toss cooked pasta into skillet, mixing until coated.
  7. Serve: Top with cilantro or extra cheese. Enjoy!

Notes

*Store leftovers in fridge for 3 days. Reheat with splash of broth, water or milk as needed.

  • Author: Rachel Mansfield

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https://rachlmansfield.com/20-minute-taco-mac-and-cheese/