Taco Mac Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 boxes Velveeta Shells & Cheese
- Each box typically includes pasta shells and a cheese sauce packet.
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- Use 80/20 for a good fat-to-meat ratio, or leaner if preferred.
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning
- You can use store-bought or homemade seasoning. Adjust according to taste.
- 1 can Rotel (10 oz)
- Choose between mild, original, or hot depending on how spicy you want the dish.
Instructions:
- Cook the Shells & Cheese:
- Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Cook Shells: Add the Velveeta shells to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 7-8 minutes or until al dente.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: While the pasta cooks, follow the package instructions to prepare the cheese sauce. Typically, this involves melting the cheese sauce mix into the cooked pasta. Keep it warm until ready to combine with the beef.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Brown Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- Drain Fat: Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef. Add about 1/4 cup of water to help distribute the seasoning. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the seasoning is fully incorporated and the beef is coated in the seasoning mixture.
- Prepare the Rotel:
- Drain Rotel: Open the can of Rotel and drain off the excess liquid. The diced tomatoes and green chilies will be added directly to the mixture.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Mix Beef and Rotel: Add the seasoned beef and drained Rotel to the pot with the prepared Velveeta shells and cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and evenly mixed.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a little milk or chicken broth to loosen it up. Stir until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Dish Out: Spoon the Taco Mac into bowls or plates. Serve hot and enjoy!
Additional Tips:
- Add Extra Ingredients: Consider adding extras like black beans, corn, or chopped bell peppers to the mix. If you want a crunchier texture, stir in some crushed tortilla chips before serving.
- Garnish Options: Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or extra shredded cheese for added flavor and texture.
- Cheese Sauce Variations: If you prefer a spicier cheese sauce, you can mix in some jalapeño or hot sauce. For a creamier sauce, add a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the Velveeta cheese sauce.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the mixture thickens in the fridge, add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Enjoy your Taco Mac! It’s a simple, flavorful dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.