Taco Macaroni and Cheese

I must say, this mac and cheese was quite delicious, and definitely tastier than the made-from-a-box versions we ate so many years ago. It’s spicy and satisfying, and my husband was definitely a happy camper the night he had this for dinner. I’ll be making it for him whenever he requests it (which I’m sure will be often), because I loved it just as much as he did.

Taco Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 pound macaroni or shell pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 serving of taco seasoning (or 1 packet of store-bought seasoning mix)
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, cut into chunks
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
2. Meanwhile, brown ground beef and sweat the onion together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the beef is completely cooked through, drain off excess fat, return to skillet, and add garlic. Cook and stir 30 seconds. Add taco seasoning and salsa and stir to combine; reduce heat to low.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add cream cheese, milk, and sour cream and stir to combine. Cook until cream cheese is melted and mixture is thick and bubbling. Stir in shredded cheese.
4. Add cheese sauce and ground beef mixture to pasta and stir to combine. Top each serving with salsa and sour cream, if desired.