Creamy Beef Queso Mac and Cheese | Homemade Recipe
Discover this mouthwatering beef queso mac and cheese recipe that combines tender ground beef, creamy queso sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for the ultimate comfort food meal
Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni: 16 ounces
- Lean Ground Beef: 1 pound 96% lean
- Taco Seasoning: 1 packet 1 ounce
- Water: ⅔ cup
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles: 10 ounce can
- Queso Dip: 15 ounce jar Trader Joe's recommended
- Half and Half: 2 ½ cups
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 4 cups
- Shredded Gruyere Cheese: 2 cups
- Hot Sauce: A few splashes optional
Seasoning Mix:
- Ground chipotle chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- White pepper
- Kosher salt
- Chipotle Cholula hot sauce or your preferred hot sauce
- Canned chipotles in adobo finely chopped
- Diced green chiles
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente pasta.
Prepare the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning and water, stir well, and cook until the water evaporates.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with beef.
- Pour in half and half, shredded cheddar, and Gruyere cheese. Stir until cheese melts and mixture is creamy.
- Optional: Add splashes of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Bake for Crispy Top:
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Velveeta: Use for a smooth and creamy queso sauce.
- Seasoning: Adjust spice level to taste by adding more or less chili powder and hot sauce.
- Cheese Tip: Shred or cube cheese for easier melting.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 165kcalProtein: 27g
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