Print

Crockpot Creamy Taco Mac and Cheese

Crockpot Creamy Taco Mac and Cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

This Crockpot Creamy Taco Mac and Cheese is a cheesy, Tex-Mex inspired comfort food dinner made easy in the slow cooker. It combines taco-seasoned beef, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce for a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean, or substitute ground turkey)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (uncooked; whole wheat or gluten-free if desired)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable/beef broth)
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained, e.g., Rotel)
  • 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or unsweetened plant milk for dairy-free)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed (full-fat or light)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado or guacamole, extra shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2 minutes until beef is coated and saucy.
  3. Lightly spray a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add cooked taco beef, uncooked elbow macaroni, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, milk, cubed cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir once after 1 hour to help cheese melt evenly and prevent pasta from sticking.
  5. After about 2 hours, check pasta for tenderness. If still firm, cook an additional 15-30 minutes. Sauce will thicken as it cools.
  6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Stir well to combine.
  7. Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as cilantro, green onions, avocado, extra cheese, or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese for a creamier sauce. Check pasta early if using gluten-free or alternative shapes. Add a splash of milk before serving if you want it extra creamy. For vegetarian, use black beans instead of beef. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, taco mac and cheese, creamy, family dinner, easy, Tex-Mex, comfort food, pasta, cheesy, ground beef, kid-friendly

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/crockpot-creamy-taco-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-family-dinner-idea/