If you're looking for a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese, look no further! Our Taco Mac and Cheese recipe combines the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the bold flavors of tacos. With a hearty mix of ground beef, beans, and spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let's dive right into making this mouthwatering meal.
Recipe by Tayia's Toast
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 pound Good Ranchers ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) chicken broth
- 1/2 can (4 ounces) green chilis
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 7 ounces elbow macaroni noodles
Instructions:
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Step 1: Make the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of flour and stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
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Step 2: Create the Cheese Sauce
Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Add 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Jack cheese to the saucepan. Stir until all the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Set it aside.
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Step 3: Prepare the Ground Beef
In a separate pan, cook the chopped onions and Good Ranchers ground beef over medium-high heat until the beef is almost fully cooked and the onions are translucent.
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Step 4: Add Taco Flavors
To the ground beef mixture, add 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 can of chicken broth, 1/2 can of green chilis, 1 can of pinto beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 packet of taco seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.
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Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
Meanwhile, cook 8 ounces of elbow macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
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Step 6: Combine and Serve
Once the noodles are cooked, add them to the beef and sauce mixture.
Pour the cheese sauce over the noodles and beef mixture. Stir well to combine and heat everything through once more.
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Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
If desired, top your Taco Mac and Cheese with cilantro, chopped onion, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream.
Your Taco Mac and Cheese with ground beef is now ready to be enjoyed! This savory and cheesy dish is perfect for satisfying your taco and mac 'n' cheese cravings in one delightful meal. Serve it up for a family dinner or at your next gathering, and watch as everyone asks for seconds. You can get our signature 100% American Ground Beef in our best-selling Rancher's Classic Box—check it out here.