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taco mac & beef with nacho topping

(1 rating)
KMW2013 avatar
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Kathy Williams
@KMW2013
Rock Hill, SC

Instead of just topping the casserole with cheese, I broke taco shells into pieces and made a nacho topping.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

You may have all the ingredients for this easy dinner casserole in your kitchen! It's a crunchy cheesy pasta mixed with a zesty cheesy taco meat mixture. Then it's topped with more cheese and crushed taco shells. Add your favorite nacho toppings, and you have a simple weeknight meal.

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(1 rating)
yield 6 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For taco mac & beef with nacho topping

  • 1 lb
    ground beef
  • 1 md
    onion, chopped
  • 1 c
    salsa
  • 1 pkg
    taco seasoning mix
  • 1 1/2 c
    macaroni, elbow
  • 1 c
    Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers, grated divided
  • 1 c
    cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2-3
    taco shells, or you can use tortilla chips
  • jalapeno peppers, nacho kind
  • favorite toco or nacho toppings

How To Make taco mac & beef with nacho topping

Test Kitchen Tips
In step 4, we needed to add about 6 Tbsp of water.
  • Boiling macaroni per package directions.
    1
    Cook macaroni according to the directions on the package. Drain.
  • Sauteeing onions in a skillet.
    2
    In a large cast iron skillet saute onions in a little olive oil until softened.
  • Ground beef, salt, and pepper added to skillet to brown.
    3
    Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is brown. Drain and return to skillet.
  • Taco seasoning, salsa, and water added to the skillet.
    4
    Add the package of taco seasoning, and salsa; add a little water if you need to. Mix well and simmer for a few minutes or until it starts to thicken.
  • Stirring in macaroni and half of the Monterey Jack with jalapeno peppers.
    5
    Stir in macaroni and half of the Monterey Jack with jalapeno peppers.
  • Remaining cheese sprinkled on top and skillet placed in oven.
    6
    Top with the remaining half of the cheese. Bake in a 350 F oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 20-25 minutes. Remove, and set the oven to broil.
  • Broken taco shells scattered casserole with cheddar cheese and jalapeno peppers.
    7
    Break taco shells into large pieces, and scatter them over the casserole. Top with cheddar cheese and jalapeno peppers. Set it under to broil just until chips are slightly brown and cheese is melted.
  • Sour cream and salsa on top of the melted cheese.
    8
    Let cool just a bit and top with sour cream and salsa. Serve on a bed of shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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