Description
Make mealtime easy and delicious with Kid-Friendly Taco Mac, a cheesy, comforting dish that your little ones will ask for again and again! This delightful blend of macaroni, ground meat, and taco flavors creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinner nights and will surely become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Ground Meat
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
Taco Seasoning
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Cheddar Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Broth or Water
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth or water
Bell Peppers (optional)
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Meat: In the same pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add Seasoning: Once the meat is cooked, stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well to incorporate all the flavors. You can add a splash of water if it seems too dry.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot, along with the broth or water. Stir to combine everything, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until melted and creamy. If desired, add chopped bell peppers at this stage for extra flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is well combined and creamy, serve hot. Your delicious Kid-Friendly Taco Mac is ready to be enjoyed!
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ensure the macaroni is al dente for the best texture.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the taco seasoning to suit your family’s taste preferences.
- Use Quality Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting and flavor.
- Keep It Creamy: If the mixture gets too thick, add a splash more broth or water to loosen it up.
- Make It Ahead: You can prep the meat and sauce in advance to make dinnertime even easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: taco mac, kid-friendly recipes, easy dinner recipes, cheesy pasta