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In the vast landscape of comfort food, few dishes evoke the same level of warmth and satisfaction as a creamy taco mac prepared in a crockpot. This innovative recipe beautifully marries the beloved flavors of classic tacos with the comforting essence of macaroni and cheese. Perfectly suited for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family, this creamy crockpot taco mac is not only a cinch to prepare but also guarantees to please even the pickiest of eaters. Let’s delve into this delicious dish that successfully combines the best aspects of Mexican and American cuisines into one simple, yet decadent meal.

Creamy Crockpot Taco Mac

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this creamy crockpot taco mac recipe. Combining the classic flavors of tacos and mac and cheese, it's perfect for busy nights and gatherings. Easy to prepare, this dish features seasoned ground meat, pasta, tomatoes, beans, and a velvety cheese sauce, all cooked together for hours of flavor development. It's a delicious meal that even picky eaters will love, making it a must-try for any home cook!

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 packet taco seasoning (1 oz)

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

8 oz cream cheese, cubed

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Sliced jalapeños, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the meat is no longer pink, and the onion is translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked mixture to the crockpot.

    Add Seasoning: Evenly sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture in the crockpot. Use a spoon to stir everything together until the seasoning is well incorporated.

      Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, add the diced tomatoes (including their juices), rinsed black beans, uncooked elbow macaroni, chicken or vegetable broth, and corn. Stir the mixture gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

        Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. Check for doneness to ensure the macaroni is tender.

          Add Creaminess: After the pasta is cooked, introduce the cubed cream cheese into the crockpot. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts and incorporates seamlessly into the dish.

            Cheesy Finish: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted, continuing to cook on low for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will create a rich and creamy texture.

              Serve It Up: Once everything is thoroughly combined and creamy, portion out the dish and serve hot. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and add sliced jalapeños on the side for those who want an extra kick.

                - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 4 hours | 6 servings

                  Enjoy your delightful mix of flavors in this creamy taco mac that’s perfect for any gathering!