Easy Creamy Taco Mac
Some weeks just feel like a whirlwind. Between work, errands, and everything in between, getting a satisfying dinner on the table can feel like a huge challenge.
That’s where this Easy Creamy Taco Mac comes to the rescue. It combines the zesty flavor of tacos with the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese, all in one pan and ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a guaranteed family favorite for those hectic weeknights.
What You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe is its simplicity. Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry or fridge, making it perfect for a last-minute meal.
- Ground beef or turkey
- Elbow noodles (gluten-free works great)
- Beef or chicken broth
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Ro-Tel)
- Milk
- Tomato sauce
- Taco seasoning
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Pro Tips
From my kitchen to yours, here are a few tips to make sure your taco mac turns out perfectly creamy and delicious every single time.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta. The noodles cook directly in the sauce. Start checking for doneness a couple of minutes before the recipe suggests. They will continue to soften slightly as you stir in the cheese, and mushy pasta is nobody’s friend.
- Melt Cheese Off-Heat. Once the noodles are tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Then, stir in the shredded cheese. This prevents the cheese from becoming grainy or oily and ensures the creamiest possible sauce.
- Get a Good Sear. When browning your ground meat, let it sit in the hot pan for a few minutes without stirring. This creates a nice brown crust, which adds a much deeper, richer flavor to the final dish.
- Scrape the Pan. After browning the meat and before adding the liquids, use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those little bits are packed with flavor that will make your sauce even better.
Tools Required
You don’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe, which is part of its charm. A single pan does most of the work.
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Can Opener
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Feel free to make swaps based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
| Ingredient | Substitution Idea | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Ground turkey, chicken, or chorizo | Chorizo will add extra spice and fat. |
| Elbow Noodles | Shells, rotini, or any short pasta | Cooking time may vary slightly. |
| Cheddar Cheese | Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend | Pepper Jack will add a mild spicy kick. |
| Milk | Evaporated milk or heavy cream | These will result in an even creamier sauce. |
Make Ahead Tips
While this dish is best served fresh, you can definitely prep ahead to make dinner even faster.
You can brown the ground meat with the taco seasoning ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. You can also pre-shred your cheese.
How to Make Creamy Taco Mac
Step 1: In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Add the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, milk, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning to the skillet with the meat. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it begins to bubble gently, stir in the uncooked elbow noodles.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from the heat. Immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Serve warm.
Nutrition, Pairings, and Tips
Here’s a quick guide to help you fit this recipe into your lifestyle and make it a complete, satisfying meal.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Info (Approx.) | Serving: 1.5 cups | Calories: 445kcal | Protein: 34g | Fat: 27g | Carbohydrates: 16g |
| Dietary Swaps | Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free elbow pasta. Low-Carb: Substitute pasta with steamed cauliflower florets stirred in at the end. |
| Meal Pairings | A simple green salad with a vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or a side of cornbread. |
| Efficiency Tips | Shred your cheese while the meat is browning. Use pre-made taco seasoning to save time. |
Tips for Leftovers and Storage
If you have leftovers, they store very well. Allow the taco mac to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as it will thicken in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the skillet?
Ans: No, you do not. The noodles cook directly in the sauce, which absorbs all the delicious flavors and helps thicken the dish.
Q2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Ans: Yes, absolutely. Omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth. To add substance, stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans along with the cheese at the end.
Q3. My sauce isn’t as creamy as I’d like. What can I do?
Ans: This can happen if the heat is too high when the cheese is added. For a quick fix, stir in a splash of milk or a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese off the heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q4. Can I freeze this taco mac?
Ans: While you can, the texture of the pasta and the creamy sauce may change upon thawing. Pasta can become soft. If you do freeze it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop with a little extra milk.
Wrapping Up
There you have it—a simple, flavorful, one-pan meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table.
I hope your family enjoys this Easy Creamy Taco Mac as much as mine does. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Please leave a comment below with your experience or any questions you might have.
