Cheesy Taco Mac and Cheese Skillet

Cheesy Taco Mac and Cheese Skillet ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 cups leftover taco meat
• 0.5 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
• 4 oz canned mild green chiles, drained
• to taste salt and black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• optional sour cream
• optional crushed tortilla chips

Watch how to make Cheesy Taco Mac and Cheese Skillet

Follow the key cooking steps, then use the full instructions below for measurements and timing.

How to make Cheesy Taco Mac and Cheese Skillet

1. Cook the 16 ounces of elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, whisking continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the 2.5 cups of milk and 1 cup of chicken broth to the roux. Continue whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and begins to simmer, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low, then slowly add the 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce, stirring until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Stir in the 2 cups of leftover taco meat, ensuring it is well distributed throughout the cheese sauce. Heat gently for 2-3 minutes until the taco meat is warmed through.
6. Add the drained 0.5 cup of diced tomatoes and the 4 ounces of drained mild green chiles to the skillet. Stir to combine these flavorful additions.
7. Finally, add the cooked and drained elbow macaroni to the skillet. Toss everything together until the macaroni is fully coated in the cheesy taco sauce and heated through.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve the Cheesy Taco Mac and Cheese directly from the skillet, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips if desired.

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