{"id":"98fe7c0b-bf79-4ef7-98dc-03b2da70a9b4","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/98fe7c0b-bf79-4ef7-98dc-03b2da70a9b4","source_url":"https://ohsnapmacros.com/taco-mac-and-cheese/","title":"Taco Mac and Cheese","description":"Taco night with a twist! This Taco Mac and Cheese is a protein-loaded comfort food made with lean ground beef, homemade taco seasoning and a homemade cheese sauce. This quick and easy meal makes the perfect family dinner, all week long.","servings":6,"servings_text":"6","prep_time":"PT10M","cook_time":"PT10M","image_url":"https://ohsnapmacros.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Tacopasta-19-scaled.jpg","ingredients":[{"text":"1 lbs. lean ground beef (96/4)","item":"lean ground beef","quantity":1,"unit":"lb","preparation":"96/4"},{"text":"Siete Taco Seasoning packet (or homemade) (homemade below)","item":"Siete Taco Seasoning packet (or homemade)","preparation":"homemade below"},{"text":"8  oz. Banza Chickpea Pasta Elbows (weighed uncooked (or your favorite brand))","item":"Banza Chickpea Pasta Elbows (weighed uncooked (or your favorite brand))","quantity":8,"unit":"oz"},{"text":"1  red bell pepper, chopped (113g)","item":"red bell pepper","quantity":1,"preparation":"chopped","metric_alternate":{"quantity":113,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"8 oz. low fat cottage cheese","item":"low fat cottage cheese","quantity":8,"unit":"oz"},{"text":"1/2 cup medium spice salsa","item":"medium spice salsa","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1/4 cup whole milk (sub 2%)","item":"whole milk","quantity":0.25,"unit":"cup","preparation":"sub 2%"},{"text":"1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese (56g)","item":"mild cheddar cheese","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup","metric_alternate":{"quantity":56,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"1/2 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese (56g)","item":"reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup","metric_alternate":{"quantity":56,"unit":"g"}},{"text":"1 tbsp. all-purpose flour","item":"all-purpose flour","quantity":1,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"1 tsp. salt","item":"salt","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1 tsp. onion powder","item":"onion powder","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1  tsp. garlic powder","item":"garlic powder","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"2 tsp. smoked paprika","item":"smoked paprika","quantity":2,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1 tbsp.  chili powder","item":"chili powder","quantity":1,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"1.5 tbsp. ground cumin","item":"ground cumin","quantity":1.5,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"1/4 cup water","item":"water","quantity":0.25,"unit":"cup"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions."},{"number":2,"text":"While the noodles cook start browning your meat in a large skillet over medium heat breaking it down into bite-sized pieces as you cook it."},{"number":3,"text":"While the meat browns combine all taco seasonings in a small bowl with the water to create a paste. If using a seasoning packet just mix with 1/4 cup of water. Once browned add the taco seasoning to the meat and reduce to a simmer. Add the chopped bell peppers and let simmer for 5 minutes stirring often."},{"number":4,"text":"Using an immersion blender, food processor, or blender, blend the cottage cheese so that it is completely smooth. Once smooth add the salsa, milk, and flour and mix together well to combine."},{"number":5,"text":"Add the cottage cheese sauce, mild cheddar and sharp cheddar cheese to the pan with the meat mixture. Mix together to completely melt the cheese and evenly combine."},{"number":6,"text":"Drain the noodles from the water and add the cooked pasta to the large skillet with the meat and cheese mixture. Mix together well. Top with chopped cilantro and enjoy!"}],"date_published":"2026-10-29T23:42:16.216444+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-29T23:42:16.216444+00:00"}