This dish is perfect for big families or if you need lots of leftovers. We are the latter, and can eat on this for 4 days!! 4!!

It’s a simple dish to bake that uses easy to find ingredients, that’s a win in my book! This meal can be easily adapted to your preference and is well loved by kids and adults alike. My 11 month old even approves! 👶🏻

So what do I need?

You’ll need-

• a box of macaroni noodles
• unsalted butter
• a pound of ground beef
• a can of black beans
• a can of mild Rotel
• taco seasoning
• a can of enchilada sauce
• cheddar cheese
• pepper jack cheese
• cream cheese (all the cheese 🥰)

How to make it your own:

• spice it up by switching out the mild Rotel for original or spicy
• add a 1/4 cup medium green chiles for an extra kick and that green chile flavor that I can’t get enough of
• Top your serving with avocado for extra healthy fats
• Or top with extra cheese
• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option
• Swap black beans for pinto beans if you really want to (or are out of black beans), although this is my least favorite swap as you know I love my black beans 🤪
• Use a different type of pasta

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Taco Bake

• 1 pound box macaroni noodles
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 1 pound ground beef (93% lean)
• 1 can black beans (no salt added), drained and rinsed
• 1 can mild Rotel
• 1 1/2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning (1 serving)
• 3 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Boil noodles as indicated on package. Save 1/4 cup pasta water. Drain and return to pot.
3. Add pasta water, butter, and enchilada sauce to the noodles and stir together.
4. While noodles are boiling, brown ground beef and then drain grease.
5. Add black beans (drained and rinsed), Rotel, and taco seasoning to the ground beef and let cook on low for 5 minutes.
6. Add cream cheese to the ground beef mixture and cook on low until cheese is melted.
7. Combine the noodles and ground beef mixture in a baking dish (I love my Pyrex bake and store for this).
8. Mix the two together and then top with cheddar and pepper jack cheeses.
9. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
10. Serve topped with avocado slices and chipotle chili pepper for added spice!