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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Creamy Taco Mac

Before I talk about this to die for dish, I want to say thank you to everyone for your comments on my brisket failure yesterday.  I so appreciate all the tips and ideas.  It's so wonderful to be able to post about something that didn't turn out as planned and not get laughed at!  Instead I got encouragement and some really good ideas.  So many that I'm even considering making this again...and that was not the case when I wrote out the post Sunday night!  So, thank you to all who piped up yesterday.. your help and ideas are greatly appreciated!

I have found heaven in a bowl...would you like to join me?  OMG this pasta was fantastic!  Another find from Annie's Eats...she's got some extremely decadent ideas over there, you gotta go check it out!

Honestly, I think the pictures sort of speak for themselves.  Look at that creamy texture...the beefy goodness...mmmmmm... this is just a good, comforting meal.  It's definitely not for the people who are watching their weight, but if you are looking for perfect comfort food for a cold fall/winter night that won't break the bank and will satisfy everyone in the family... you have got to try this.  Add a salad along side it if it makes you feel healthier.  Though, I believe a good piece (or two) of crusty warm bread is the better compliment to this meal....but that's just me!


Creamy Taco Mac
Adapted from Annie's Eats
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
1 lb. 90% lean ground beef
8oz elbow macaroni
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 shallot, finely diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (14oz) can of diced tomatoes, partially drained
4 Tablespoons taco seasoning (find homemade recipe here)
3 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream
salt and pepper

Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain; reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.  Add the shallots and saute for 3 minutes.  Add the ground beef and cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.  Mix in the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning and let simmer over medium low heat for about 5 minutes.  Stir in the cream cheese and sour cream; mix until smooth.  Let simmer 1 minute.  Add the pasta and toss to coat.  If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with the reserved pasta water.  Season with salt and pepper.  Enjoy!

16 comments:

Ma What's 4 dinner said...

My husband would freak out over this one!!!


Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner
www.mawhats4dinner.com

Andrea the Kitchen Witch said...

Taco mac! Talk about a blast from the past :) I loved this stuff when I was a kid!! It looks delicious Jenn. Love the creamy twist. I bet the wee Witch would dig this one, too! thanks for the yummy post :)

Unknown said...

taco mac sounds and looks so, so good. I have to give this a try sometime. :)
Have a great day. Michael

StephenC said...

This looks so much like a favorite childhood dish my mother made often. I can't think what it was called. The big difference is that she didn't know from taco seasoning. (Nor did I.)I've got ricotta in the fridge. I bet I could use some of that.

Miss Meat and Potatoes said...

Yes please! This is right up my alley. Thanks for sharing sister and I'm sorry about that brisket - I've never even ATTEMPTED brisket (I think I lose points for that as a Texan) so you're way ahead of me doll!!

Mary Bergfeld said...

Promise not to laugh - Chili Mac is one of my all time favorite foods. Your recipe sounds much better than the one I use. I'll have to give yours a maiden voyage in the near future. I'll keep you informed. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

Jean at The Delightful Repast said...

Jenn, this is very similar to my own taco mac. But I fatten it up even more by throwing on a little garnish of shredded jack and cheddar cheeses. 'Cause I need more fat in my diet (yeah, right).

Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking said...

I just love Annie's Eats, and I love all the recipes you post! This looks absolutely delicious, Jen. Thanks for turning me on to something new!

Pam said...

That looks and sounds so good!!

Yenta Mary said...

Sometimes you just need rich, creamy, carb-laden goodness! That looks just luscious, and perfect for a cold winter evening ... :)

Unknown said...

I am sort of drooling on my keyboard

Cranberry Morning said...

Yes, that looks like nothing other than comfort food, my nemesis. And it has no edges, no boundaries, always a problem for me. So do I eat a half cup? I try that, then it seems too little, even though I always use a luncheon plate, not a dinner plate. I suspect that comfort food like this is not meant to be quantified or scrutinized, but enjoyed.

Cheeseboy said...

Watching my weight? I don't even know what that means! Count me in on this one.

Chris said...

Similar to chili-mac, I would totally devour a bowl of this!

amandak23k said...

This is so yummy for how simple it is. I used shells in place of the elbows because that's what I had on hand! This was really really good!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Glad to hear you enjoyed it Amanda - it has become a favorite in our house for sure!