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A bowl of creamy taco mac and cheese topped with fresh tomatoes and sliced jalapenos

Taco Mac and Cheese

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all -purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup wate r
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup sliced jalapenos

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water to the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  4. In a separate large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  5. Gradually whisk in milk and continue cooking until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
  7. Fold the cooked macaroni and the taco meat into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with tomatoes and jalapenos if desired.