Description
This Queso Mac and Cheese Taco Beef Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef with creamy queso, diced tomatoes and green chiles, and tender elbow macaroni. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it brings together classic taco flavors with the comfort of mac and cheese in one delicious casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 oz.)
Pasta
- 16 oz box elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions and drained
Cheese Sauce and Add-ins
- 15 oz jar queso, heated as directed
- 10 oz can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chiles)
- â…” cup water
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Prepare the elbow macaroni by boiling it according to the package instructions until al dente, then thoroughly drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large pan over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef while breaking it up into small pieces. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, then drain off excess fat.
- Season and Simmer Beef: Add the taco seasoning packet and â…” cup water to the beef. Stir to combine and continue cooking for about 4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Then stir in the Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chiles), reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture gently simmer.
- Combine Cheese, Beef, and Pasta: Stir the heated queso cheese sauce and cooked macaroni into the seasoned beef mixture, making sure everything is evenly combined. Warm through as needed, then serve immediately and enjoy your cheesy taco-inspired casserole!
Notes
- You can use homemade queso if preferred for a fresher taste.
- Adjust the taco seasoning quantity for spiciness to your liking.
- Drain the cooked ground beef well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a thicker casserole, reduce the added water slightly or simmer longer to evaporate excess liquid.
