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Homemade Taco Macaroni and Cheese photo

Taco Macaroni and Cheese

A hearty, Tex‑Mex twist on classic macaroni and cheese with seasoned beef, salsa con queso, and a crunchy Doritos topping.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 oz taco seasoning package
  • 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies can, 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 divided (use 1 cup in mixture and 1 cup for topping)
  • 12 oz campanelle pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed Doritos

Equipment

  • 6-quart pot
  • Colander
  • 12-inch Non-Stick Skillet
  • meat masher or spatula
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. 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.
  3. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up with a meat masher or spatula; drain excess grease.
  4. Add the taco seasoning, 3/4 cup water, and the undrained 10-oz can of Rotel to the cooked beef; simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the 15-oz jar of salsa con queso, 1/3 cup heavy cream, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
  6. Stir the drained pasta into the beef mixture, then fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Taste and season with salt and black pepper if desired.
  7. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar evenly over the top, and bake for 20 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven, sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the casserole, then return to the oven and bake 5–10 more minutes until bubbly.

Notes

  • Use mild or spicy salsa con queso depending on preferred heat level.
  • Drain excess grease from the beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
  • Campanelle can be substituted with other short pasta shapes if needed.
  • For a smoother sauce, stir the cheese in off the heat to avoid separation.
  • Crush Doritos in a bag for quick, even topping.