This simple and easy spicy taco mac recipe seems to be a real crowd pleaser, at least with the kids. We are always trying to reinvent a simple pasta dish so that the kids enjoy it too, and it usually makes enough for leftovers. This recipe has just enough spice so that they can enjoy it, and it still has the subtle spice they adult can enjoy. It’s easy enough to adjust the spice to your level of liking.
Adjusting the spice
This recipe includes a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies so you can add the medium or hot option to elevate the heat. The pepperjack cheese can easily be replaced with a milder cheese such as a mozzarella, or white American cheese. To turn up the heat, consider adding some diced and or dried jalapenos, hot sauce, or even some red pepper flakes. The recipe below is more of a mild version, so that the kids will eat it too. You can even add a hotter diced green chili, that pushes it even spicier.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot or Dutch oven
- 1 Strainer
- 1 A cheese grater (if you are grating you own cheese)
Ingredients
- 1-2 lbs. Ground Beef More of less depending on your budget. You can also use 1 lb. ground beef, and 1 ib. ground sausage. Depending on your budget.
- â…“ Cup Taco Seasoning. Or you can use about 2 packets.
- 1 Can Rotel
- 12 oz Salsa Verde We use Trader Joe's Hatch Valley Salsa, but either salsa will work.
- 8 oz Pepper Jack cheese You can use more or less if you wish.
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 8 oz Pasta of your choice
- 1 Buch Cilantro for garish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet brown the ground beef and or sausage and drain.
- Next add all the remaining ingredients and any other season options, excluding the cilantro, and stir together until everything is well mixed.
- In a large pot bring your water to a boil and cook the pasta per the instructions. Drain the excess water and set aside.
- Pour the meat mixture over the cooked pasta and stir together until everything is well mixed.
- Add chopped cilantro to the top for a garnish if you wish.
Baked Spicy Taco Mac
- Follow the instructions as normal, but do not completely cook the pasta (al dente). Add everything to a greased 9×13, sprinkle with extra pepper jack cheese and bake covered at 350 degrees until nice and bubbly. Baked uncovered a few additional minutes to until the cheese in nice and melty.
Video
Notes
Ingredients for Spicy Taco Mac
- 1-2 lbs. Ground Beef More of less depending on your budget. You can also use 1 lb. ground beef, and 1 lb. ground sausage. Depending on your budget.
- ⅓ Cup Taco Seasoning. Or you can use about 2 packets.
- 1 Can Rotel
- 12 oz Salsa Verde – We use Trader Joe’s Hatch Valley Salsa, but either salsa will work.
- 8 oz Pepper Jack cheese – Use more or less if you wish.
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 8 oz Pasta of your choice
- 1 Bunch Cilantro for garnish (optional)
Use any pasta that you wish, however a good pasta that holds the sauce in a shell or corkscrew shape works great! You can also make this into a baked dish, by assembling in a greased 9×13 casserole dish, and topping with extra cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until nice and bubbly. If this is an option for you, don’t cook the pasta completely or it will turn mushy. This stores well in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 day. The leftovers reheat well. This pairs well with Spanish rice, and refried beans.
If you’re looking for more easy family friendly recipes check out Spanish Chicken and Rice, Good Gosh Casserole, or an easy Chili Beef Bake
The Instructions for Spicy Taco Mac
- In a large skillet brown the ground beef and or sausage and drain.
- Next add all the remaining ingredients and any other season options, excluding the cilantro, and stir together until everything is well mixed.
- In a large pot bring your water to a boil and cook the pasta per the instructions. Drain the excess water and set aside.
- Pour the meat mixture over the cooked pasta and stir together until everything is well mixed.
- Add chopped cilantro to the top for a garnish if you wish.
Baked Spicy Taco Mac
- Follow the instructions as normal, but do not completely cook the pasta (al dente). Add everything to a greased 9×13, sprinkle with extra pepper jack cheese and bake covered at 350 degrees until nice and bubbly. Baked uncovered a few additional minutes to until the cheese in nice and melty.
We would love to know if you have any additional tips, tricks, or even if you have tried this method. Please leave us a comment, feedback, or give it a rating! It’s much appreciated.
