Lightened Up Taco Mac
This Lightened Up Taco Mac is to die for! A classic comfort food meets taco night! It will definitely be on your dinner rotation!
This Lightened Up Taco Mac is to die for! A classic comfort food meets taco night! It will definitely be on your dinner rotation!
- dash salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 8 whole grain pasta medium shells, dry
- 12 oz. can reduced-fat evaporated milk, divided
- pinch garlic powder
- 5 oz. light cheddar cheese ( i use trader joe's light 3
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning ( i use dak's taco kight)
- 12 oz. lean ground beef or ground turkey ( i use 96% lea
- 2 tbsp taco sauce ( i use taco bell original mild sauce
- Carbohydrate 0.608466666927602 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.000333333333476281 g
- Fiber 0.00599999984362733 g
- Protein 0.00173333333407666 g
- Saturated Fat 6.00000000257305E-05 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (1g)
- Sodium 51.7373333333591 mg
- Sugar 0.602466667083975 g
- Trans Fat 6.7762635780344E-21 g
- Calories 3 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.
- Spray a skillet with nonstick cooking spray and cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat until meat is cooked thoroughly. Mix in taco seasoning and a dash of water. And mix until taco seasoning is well combined with the meat.
- Pour cooked meat into cooked pasta bowl. Add taco sauce.
- In a saucepan, mix together evaporated milk (set aside 1/4 cup), garlic powder, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Bring the milk mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Whisk together the cornstarch and remaining 1/4 cup evaporated milk, then pour into the cornstarch mixture into the sauce.
- Whisk constantly while the sauce simmers and thickens, for about 2-3 minutes.
- Take the sauce off the heat and gradually whisk in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Pour sauce into the pasta and meat bowl. Continue stirring until everything has been incorporated.
- Let the taco mac sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
My Lightened-Up Taco Mac Adventure: A Weeknight Comfort Food
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Weeknights are especially challenging, and often, the siren call of fast food or easy takeout is just too tempting to resist. But recently, I discovered a recipe that has become my weeknight savior: a lightened-up version of Taco Mac. It's a dish that satisfies my craving for comfort food without the guilt, and it's surprisingly quick and easy to make.
This isn't your grandma's Taco Mac (though I'm sure she would love it too!). I've tweaked the classic recipe to make it healthier, using lean ground turkey instead of beef, reduced-fat evaporated milk, and a lighter cheddar cheese. The result is a creamy, cheesy, flavorful pasta dish that's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. The best part? The whole family loves it, even my picky eaters! It's become a staple in our house, a reliable go-to when I'm short on time but still want to serve something satisfying and nutritious.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It comes together in under 30 minutes, and the cleanup is minimal – a huge plus after a long day at work. There's something deeply satisfying about creating a warm, comforting meal from scratch, knowing exactly what ingredients are going into it. It’s a welcome break from processed foods and a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients.
Beyond the Recipe: More Than Just a Meal
For me, this Lightened-Up Taco Mac is more than just a recipe; it’s a symbol of balance in my busy life. It’s a way to nourish my family with delicious, wholesome food without sacrificing convenience or flavor. It's a reminder that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a testament to the power of finding simple joys in the everyday, like the comforting warmth of a delicious, home-cooked meal shared with loved ones.
I encourage you to try this recipe. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it might just become your new weeknight favorite too. Let me know in the comments how it turns out!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 8 oz whole grain pasta (medium shells)
- 12 oz lean ground beef or ground turkey (96% lean preferred)
- 12 oz can reduced-fat evaporated milk
- 5 oz light cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 2 tbsp taco sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Dash of salt
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the taco meat for an extra kick.
- Veggie boost: Incorporate some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or black beans to the taco meat for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend would all be delicious.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the taco meat and sauce ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving.
This recipe is a true testament to how easy it is to create healthy, delicious meals even when you’re pressed for time. It’s a perfect example of how mindful cooking can enrich your daily life.
