Spicy Mexican Cheesy Mac
Indulge in this flavorful Spicy Mexican Cheesy Mac, a delightful twist on traditional macaroni and cheese. Infused with the bold flavors of taco seasoning and enriched with the goodness of V8 vegetable juice, this dish is not only comforting but also packed with essential nutrients. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this recipe combines ground beef and creamy cheese to create a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Serve it up with your favorite toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or cilantro for an extra kick!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
Macaroni and Cheese Mix
1 (7 1/4 ounce) box (prepared according to package directions)
Butter
1/4 cup (not tub or spread product)
Milk
1/2 cup (used for the cheese mixture)
V8 Vegetable Juice
1 cup (added to the beef mixture)
Taco Seasoning
1/2 (1 1/4 ounce) package (added to the cooked beef)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the macaroni cheese according to the instructions on the package. This usually involves boiling water, adding the macaroni, and cooking it until tender.
2
While the macaroni cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
3
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle the taco seasoning over it and pour in the V8 vegetable juice. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter (or margarine) over low heat, then stir in the milk until smooth. Combine with the prepared macaroni and cheese until well mixed.
5
Finally, mix the seasoned beef mixture into the macaroni and cheese, stirring until everything is well incorporated. Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
13.3g
Fat
30g
Carbs
16.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Mexican Cheesy Mac?
It is a flavorful twist on traditional macaroni and cheese that incorporates ground beef, taco seasoning, and V8 vegetable juice for a comforting meal.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The key ingredients are ground beef, a box of macaroni and cheese mix, butter, milk, V8 vegetable juice, and taco seasoning.
How much ground beef do I need?
You will need 1 lb of ground beef, which should be browned and drained before mixing.
What size of macaroni and cheese mix is required?
The recipe calls for one 7 1/4 ounce box of macaroni and cheese mix.
Why is V8 vegetable juice used in this recipe?
V8 vegetable juice is added to the beef mixture to enrich the dish with essential nutrients and provide a savory base for the flavors.
How much butter is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of butter; it is recommended not to use tub or spread products.
How much milk should I add to the cheese mixture?
You should use 1/2 cup of milk for the macaroni and cheese mixture.
What amount of taco seasoning is necessary?
Use 1/2 of a 1 1/4 ounce package of taco seasoning.
How do I prepare the ground beef?
Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, and then drain the excess grease.
How long should the beef mixture simmer?
The beef, taco seasoning, and V8 juice mixture should simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving of Spicy Mexican Cheesy Mac.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 16.7g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 13.3g of fat.
What are the carbohydrate and fiber counts?
The dish contains 30g of carbohydrates, while the fiber content is not specified.
What toppings are recommended for this mac and cheese?
Suggested toppings include jalapeños, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for an extra kick.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and a simple family meal.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
The recipe specifies butter and notes that tub or spread products should be avoided for the best results.
Should the macaroni be cooked separately?
Yes, prepare the macaroni according to the package instructions before combining it with the other ingredients.
How do I incorporate the cheese sauce?
Melt the butter over low heat, stir in the milk until smooth, and then combine with the cooked macaroni.
When do I add the taco seasoning?
The taco seasoning is sprinkled over the beef once it has been browned and drained.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 6 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is a family-friendly dish that offers a tasty twist on a kid-favorite classic.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can choose mild or hot taco seasoning or adjust the amount of jalapeño toppings to control the heat.
What kind of vegetable juice is used?
The recipe specifically calls for V8 Vegetable Juice.
How do I finish the dish?
Stir the seasoned beef mixture into the prepared macaroni and cheese until everything is well incorporated and serve hot.
Is the beef mixture added to the pasta or vice versa?
The seasoned beef mixture is mixed into the prepared macaroni and cheese.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is classified as comfort food with Mexican-inspired taco flavors.
Do I need to add extra salt?
The taco seasoning and cheese mix usually provide enough salt, so extra may not be necessary.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, with ground beef and pasta, it is a satisfying and complete main meal.
How do I ensure the cheese sauce is smooth?
Melt the butter over low heat and stir in the milk thoroughly before adding it to the macaroni.