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This Tex Mex Mac and Cheese Casserole is a delightful twist on classic comfort food. Imagine the creamy goodness of mac and cheese combined with the bold flavors of taco seasoning and salsa. It's a hearty, cheesy dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. The best part? It's super easy to make, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. Let's dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
The name of the recipe: Tex Mex Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and salsa to the beef. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
What You Will Need
Read more: Tex Mex Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make Tex Mex Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Elbow macaroni: Provides the classic pasta base, absorbing flavors and adding a comforting, chewy texture to the casserole.
- Ground beef: Adds hearty protein and rich flavor, making the dish filling and satisfying.
- Taco seasoning: Infuses the casserole with bold, spicy Mexican flavors, elevating the taste profile.
- Salsa: Brings a tangy, zesty kick, balancing the richness of the cheese and beef.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy, gooey sauce, binding the ingredients together and adding a sharp, savory taste.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy cheese sauce, ensuring the casserole isn't dry.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps form the base of the cheese sauce, contributing to the overall flavor.
- Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce, giving it a perfect consistency to coat the pasta and beef mixture.
Tools and Instruments Needed
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Tex Mex Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Large saucepan: Used to brown the ground beef and mix in the taco seasoning and salsa.
- Medium saucepan: Needed for making the cheese sauce by melting butter, adding flour, and whisking in milk.
- Whisk: Essential for blending the flour and milk smoothly into the butter to create a thick cheese sauce.
- Baking dish: Holds the combined macaroni, cheese sauce, and beef mixture for baking in the oven.
- Colander: Drains the cooked macaroni before mixing it with the cheese sauce and beef.
- Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the beef mixture and combining all ingredients together.
Tex Mex Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
A delicious and hearty Tex Mex twist on the classic mac and cheese casserole.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 packet Taco seasoning
- 1 cup Salsa
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Flour
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and salsa to the beef. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
Feel free to add some chopped jalapeños for extra heat or top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
Read more: Tex Mex Ramen Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole up to the baking step.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole but don't bake.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then foil.
- Label with the date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed.
Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the ground beef mixture can give the Tex Mex Mac and Cheese Casserole a unique depth of flavor that surprises the taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some diced jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Sure, any short pasta like penne or rotini works well.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?
Absolutely, ground turkey is a great alternative.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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