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Homemade Taco Macaroni and Cheese photo

Taco Macaroni and Cheese

A creamy, Tex-Mex twist on classic mac and cheese made with seasoned beef, Rotel, salsa con queso, and crunchy Doritos.
Print Recipe Save it
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8 people

Equipment

  • 6-quart pot
  • Colander
  • 12-inch Non-Stick Skillet
  • Meat masher or spatula
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Grater (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies undrained
  • 15 oz salsa con queso jar
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp, divided
  • 12 oz campanelle pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed Doritos

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the campanelle pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up with a meat masher or spatula; drain any excess grease.
  • Add the taco seasoning, 3/4 cup water, and the undrained Rotel to the cooked beef. Stir, then simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the jar of salsa con queso, heavy cream, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder until combined.
  • Stir the drained pasta into the beef and sauce mixture, then mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Taste and season with salt and black pepper if desired.
  • Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven, top with the crushed Doritos, and return to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

  • Use mild or spicy Rotel depending on heat preference.
  • Sharp cheddar gives more flavor but use preferred cheddar.
  • Crush Doritos in a zip-top bag for even topping.
  • Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving.
  • Leftover reheating is mentioned in the original notes.