Spicy Tex Mex Cheesy Pasta Bake
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this Spicy Tex Mex Cheesy Pasta Bake! A delightful twist on the classic Kraft Dinner, this one-dish meal combines creamy mac and cheese with seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, and a kick of taco spices. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this hearty dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve with a side of corn chips and fresh guacamole for an authentic Tex Mex experience.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kraft macaroni and cheese
2 packages (229 g each) (Prepare according to package directions)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Used for cooking Kraft Dinner)
Low-fat milk
2 tablespoons (Used for cooking Kraft Dinner)
Lean hamburger
1 lb (Browned and cooked)
Taco seasoning
1 ounce package (Mixed with cooked hamburger)
Salsa
1 cup (Stirred into the mixture before serving)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the Kraft macaroni until tender, following the package instructions.
2
Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Add the butter and low-fat milk, stirring until creamy.
3
While the macaroni is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean hamburger and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
4
Once the hamburger is fully cooked, stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well to ensure the meat is coated in the spices.
5
Add the seasoned hamburger to the pot of Kraft Dinner and stir to combine.
6
Finally, fold in the salsa, mixing well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
7
Serve warm, garnishing with additional salsa and optional toppings like shredded cheese or chopped cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Tex Mex Cheesy Pasta Bake?
It is a hearty one-dish meal that combines Kraft macaroni and cheese with seasoned ground beef, taco spices, and salsa for a flavorful twist on a classic dish.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients for this pasta bake?
The main ingredients include 2 packages of Kraft macaroni and cheese, butter, low-fat milk, 1 lb of lean hamburger, taco seasoning, and salsa.
How do I prepare the hamburger for this recipe?
The lean hamburger should be browned in a skillet over medium heat and then thoroughly mixed with a 1-ounce package of taco seasoning.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, while the recipe calls for low-fat milk to prepare the Kraft Dinner, you can use whole milk or a milk alternative if preferred.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish has a kick from the taco seasoning and salsa; you can adjust the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa.
What side dishes are recommended with this meal?
It is recommended to serve this pasta bake with corn chips and fresh guacamole for an authentic Tex Mex experience.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
The first step is to boil water in a large pot and cook the Kraft macaroni until tender according to the package instructions.
Does the pasta need to be baked in the oven?
Despite being called a 'pasta bake,' the instructions indicate it is prepared entirely on the stovetop by mixing the cooked components together.
How much salsa is added to the mixture?
One cup of salsa is folded into the pot with the macaroni and seasoned beef.
Can I add extra toppings?
Yes, optional toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or additional salsa are highly recommended for garnishing.
Is this considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy dinner, making it suitable for busy weeknights.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, you could use ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute if you prefer a different protein source.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
What size are the Kraft macaroni and cheese packages?
The recipe uses two packages that are 229 grams each.
How much taco seasoning is required?
One 1-ounce package of taco seasoning is used to flavor the ground beef.
What is the purpose of the butter in this recipe?
The butter is used to make the Kraft macaroni and cheese creamy after the pasta has been cooked and drained.
Is this recipe suitable for a family gathering?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the hamburger or using a vegetarian meat alternative.
How do I ensure the meat is properly seasoned?
Stir the taco seasoning into the browned hamburger in the skillet to ensure all the meat is evenly coated before adding it to the pasta.
What makes this a 'Tex Mex' dish?
The combination of taco spices, salsa, and seasoned ground beef gives the cheesy pasta its Tex Mex flavor profile.
Is there any fiber or nutritional information provided?
The provided data does not list specific values for fiber, calories, fat, or carbohydrates.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Yes, a homemade blend of taco spices can be substituted for the store-bought package.
What should I do with the salsa?
The salsa should be folded into the pot at the end to incorporate all ingredients evenly before serving.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as comfort food because of its creamy, cheesy, and hearty nature.
Should the hamburger be lean?
The recipe recommends using lean hamburger to keep the dish from becoming overly greasy.
How much milk is used in the pasta?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of low-fat milk.
Can I use a different brand of mac and cheese?
While the recipe specifies Kraft, you can use any similar boxed macaroni and cheese product.
How should I serve the dish?
Serve it warm in bowls, garnished with your choice of salsa, cilantro, or extra cheese.
Is the preparation time long?
No, because it uses boxed macaroni and cheese and quick-cooking ground beef, it is a very efficient meal to prepare.