Taco Mac RecipePhoto byGin Lee

Taco Mac Recipe

For those who appreciate the delicious combination of tacos, macaroni, and cheese, I am pleased to share my flavorful taco mac recipe with you.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of elbow macaroni
• 4 cups of water for cooking the pasta
• 2 1/2 cups of grated cheese of your choice
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 2 pounds of ground beef chuck
• 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon of chili powder
• 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of dried red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add 4 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook the pasta for approximately 12 minutes on medium-high heat. Drain the water and mix in 1/4 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of butter, and 2 cups of grated cheese of your choice. Stir until well combined.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the ground beef chuck. In a large skillet, cook 2 pounds of ground beef with smoked paprika, chili powder, dried onion flakes, garlic powder, dried red pepper flakes, seasoning salt, and black pepper. Cook on high heat for 12 to 15 minutes, then drain the excess grease.

Transfer the mac and cheese to a 9x13 casserole dish and add the seasoned taco meat. Mix well.

Sprinkle the remaining half cup of grated cheese over the top of the taco mac. (I also used cheese slices on top of the casserole.) Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven until the cheese is melted.

Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy the delicious flavors of taco mac!