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Easy Creamy Taco Mac

A creamy, flavorful dish combining macaroni and zesty taco flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base Ingredients
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cream or milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
  • crushed tortilla chips
  • diced avocado
  • fresh cilantro
  • sour cream

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Protein
  1. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey or beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Adding Seasoning
  1. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, and stir to coat the meat evenly. Let it cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, and cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cheesy Goodness
  1. Stir in the cooked macaroni and shredded cheese, mixing until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted and gooey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
  1. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Notes

Adjust spice levels by using less taco seasoning for a milder flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.