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Taco Shells & Cheese

Taco Shells & Cheese: A Comforting Twist on Classic Mac & Cheese

Taco Shells & Cheese combines creamy macaroni and cheese with a flavorful taco twist, making it a perfect family dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Mini Shell or Elbow Pasta Whole wheat or gluten-free options work well too.
For the Filling
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Feel free to use black beans or plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder Adds spice and warmth.
  • 1 tsp Ground Chipotle Chili Powder Introduces a smoky flavor.
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin Swap with ground coriander for a milder option.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Italian seasoning can be a great substitute.
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt Adjust amount if using table salt.
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander Can be omitted if unavailable.
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cayenne Pepper Modify amount according to your spice tolerance.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Almond milk or cream can be substituted.
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Use cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative.
  • 1 tsp Sodium Citrate Not necessary if using standard melting cheeses.
  • 2 cups Shredded White Cheese Cheddar or Monterey Jack works well.
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup Iceberg Lettuce Baby spinach works if you're looking for nutrients.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Use diced bell peppers or omit if you prefer.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking dish
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add mini shells or elbow pasta and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Sprinkle chili powder, ground chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper over the beef. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring until fragrant.
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk and all-purpose flour over medium heat, whisking continuously. Stir in sodium citrate until dissolved. Whisk until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add shredded white cheese, mixing until creamy.
  5. In a large bowl, combine drained pasta with seasoned beef. Pour cheese sauce over and stir gently until everything is coated.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  7. Remove from oven and cool for a few minutes. Top with chopped iceberg lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ensure you cook the pasta al dente and avoid overcooking the ground beef for the best results. Feel free to mix different cheeses for a unique taste.

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