Taco Mac and Cheese

Last week I wanted to make a dinner that was similar to my Taco Pasta Bake...but I didn't want to turn on the oven!  So I made a stovetop version and it turned out great!

Your Shopping List for the Taco Mac and Cheese:

• 1 pound shell pasta
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup taco sauce
• 2 cups milk
• 1 block of cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Now Let's Make the Taco Mac and Cheese:

1. Cook your pasta according to box directions, drain, and set aside
2. In a large skillet, cook your ground beef, drain, return to skillet and add minced garlic - cook until fragrant
3. Add the taco sauce and taco seasoning to ground beef and keep warm on low heat
   
4. While you make the ground beef mixture, begin warming milk in a large pot
5. Add the cubes of cream cheese to warm milk and stir until melted
6. Add cheddar cheese to milk mixture and whisk until melted, combined, and thick
   
7. Add pasta and ground beef mixture into the cheese sauce, stir to incorporate everything
8. Remove from heat and allow to sit five minutes before serving