Spicy Taco Mac and Cheese

Spicy Taco Mac and Cheese, for those days when you want something hearty, but also, Tacos. (Ok, that might be everyday)

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 1

Total Time: 1 10

Servings: servings

Calories: 910kcal

Author: Kita

1 tbs unsalted butter
4 slices wheat bread cut into 1/2-inch squares
Salt
1 tbs unsalted butter
8 oz Cheddar cheese shredded
8 oz pepper jack cheese shredded
2 cups elbow pasta cooked to just under al dente, rinsed and set aside
1 lbs ground beef cooked (drained of fat if needed) and seasoned with taco spices of choice
2 tsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/8 tsp grated nutmeg
1/4 cup sour cream
1 egg beaten
1/4 cup Vidalia or sweet onion minced
2 tsp Tabasco sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup half and half

Melt the butter for the croutons in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the bread and toast 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and set aside. Season with salt, if desired.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9 x 13? baking dish.
Toss the cooked pasta in a large bowl with 2/3 of the shredded cheese.
In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, cayenne, red pepper flakes, mustard, nutmeg. Add the sour cream, egg, onion, Tabasco, cream, and half and half. Stir well to combine. Pray for your arteries ;)
Pour the mixture over the pasta and toss to coat.
Transfer half of the pasta to the prepared baking dish.
Add the cooked and seasoned ground beef in a single layer, spreading evenly with the back of your spoon.
Layer the remaining pasta and sauce over the beef and top with the remaining cheese. (If you’re really feeling bold and daring, sprinkle a little smoked paprika on top).
Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese on top is beginning to brown and everything is starting to bubble. Sprinkle your home made croutons on top and bake for another 10 minutes until everything is nice and golden.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
*Omit the ground beef if you just want a killer side. Leave it in and you’ve got an all in one meal – sprinkle a little lettuce on the side and we can even call it balanced (no, not really). ;)