Savory Taco Mac & Cheese: A Simple and Delicious Twist

Ingredients

• A package of ground beef, weighing 16 ounces,
• 2 cups of flavorful salsa for a zesty kick,
• A can of whole kernel corn, weighing 15 ounces, drained,
• A pack of taco seasoning, adding a burst of spices,
• A pinch of salt and ground black pepper to elevate the taste,
• 2 cups of shell pasta for a hearty base,
• 2 cups of the delightful blend of Colby-Monterey Jack cheese,
• A generous half cup of sliced green onions for freshness,
• 1 cup of sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded to perfection.

Step 1

Start by heating a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until it's nice and warm. Add the ground beef and give it a good stir until it turns brown and crumbly, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Don't forget to drain off any excess grease. Next, mix in some salsa, corn, and your favorite taco seasoning to amp up the flavor. Remember to season the meat sauce with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper for that perfect balance.

Step 2

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to a toasty 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 3

In a separate large pot, fill it with some water, lightly seasoned with salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Once it's bubbling away, toss in the pasta and let it cook until it's just tender but still has a bit of bite to it, usually around 10 to 12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 4

Now, it's time to bring everything together. Combine the flavorful meat sauce with the cooked pasta, some gooey Colby-Jack cheese, and a handful of chopped green onions in a 9x13-inch casserole dish. To finish it off, sprinkle a generous amount of Cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5

Pop the casserole dish in the preheated oven and let it bake until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey, which should take approximately 25 minutes. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal straight from the oven!