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Cheesy Taco Mac Casserole Dinner Recipe Easy 30-Minute Family Meal

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A quick and easy cheesy taco mac casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200 grams)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 ounces of elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning over the beef, stir well to coat.
  6. Pour in 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 1 cup milk, stirring until smooth and creamy.
  8. Gradually add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
  9. Transfer cooked macaroni to a large mixing bowl. Pour the cheesy taco beef sauce over the pasta and gently mix until evenly coated.
  10. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top for a cheesy crust if desired.
  11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
  12. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it should be al dente as it will cook further in the oven. Drain excess fat from beef to avoid soggy casserole. Cream cheese adds richness without heavy cream. Let casserole rest after baking to thicken sauce. Add optional garnishes like cilantro or jalapeños for extra flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check seasoning ingredients. For dairy-free, substitute cheeses and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy taco mac casserole, taco pasta casserole, easy family dinner, quick casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/cheesy-taco-mac-casserole-dinner-recipe-easy-30-minute-family-meal/