Dad's Taco Mac'n'Cheese

Dad's Taco Mac'n'Cheese as Featured in Maeleigh Moon Vlogs | Episode One

Celebrating majorly great news at work, my husband requests a taco... mac'n'cheese...???

I was skeptical, too- but I wasn't about to throw in the towel in the face of challenge!

Turns out it's sorta like a hamburger helper, only fresher!

 Pico de Gallo:

• Fresh Tomato, diced
• Red Onion, diced
• 3-4 Garlic Cloves, diced
• 1 Bunch Cilanto
• Salt & Pepper, to taste
• Squeeze of lime juice

 

Taco Mac'n'Cheese

• 1lb Ground Turkey, seasoned with 1 pkg taco seasoning
  
• 16 oz package pasta, prepared al dente'

Cheese Sauce:

• 1 Stick Butter
• 2 Cups Milk
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheese 
• 1/4 C Flour
• 1Tbsp Chilli Powder
• 1 Tbsp Cumin
• 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
  
• Pinch Red Pepper Flakes
• Pinch Cayenne Pepper
  
• salt and 'white' pepper, to taste
  

Prepare Pico de Gallo; dice tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapeno peppers and cilantro. Top lightly with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lime juice. Set aside.

Next; fully cook ground turkey-meat with taco seasoning.

Boil water; and add salt to make pasta of choice 'al dente,' according to instructions on package. Rinse, Drain, Set Aside.

Next, begin a roux. Melt 1 Stick of Butter, add 2 Cloves Garlic, diced. When garlic is fragrant, add 1/4 C Flour and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir until butter dissolves and begins to bubble. Add 2 Cups Milk, slowly (preferably whole milk) and stir. Add 2 Cups Cheese & Chilli Powder/Cumin/Red Pepper Flakes/Garlic Powder/ Cayenne Pepper & White Ground Pepper. Stir continuously until all cheese is melted. Remove from heat & set aside.

 Prepare baking dishes with spray cooking oil. Add al dente pasta, and ground turkey to baking dishes. Pour cheese sauce over top, and extra cheese and bake at 375 for 25mins or until cheese begins to brown.

Remove from oven, top with fresh 'pico de gallo' and serve hot.