Beef Queso Mac and Cheese
Creamy Beef Queso Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, creamy queso sauce, and perfectly cooked gluten-free pasta. It provides a high protein meal with only 315 calories per serving, making it a guilt-free option for family dinners or small gatherings. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare, and it's easy to customize based on your preferences, including adjusting the spice level.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
- 10 ounces can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles
- 15 ounces jar queso
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- Hot sauce optional
Instructions
- Brown 1 pound of lean ground beef in a large skillet, adding 1 cup of chopped onions. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
- In another pot, melt 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese with 15 ounces of tomato sauce and ½ cup of sour cream. Stir until smooth. Add hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the cooked ground beef, queso sauce, and pasta in a large baking dish. Add diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less chipotle spice, hot sauce, or chili powder.
- For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes before baking is done.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat by adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and warm in the microwave or oven at 375°F for 15 minutes.