Restaurants›MACS (Macaroni And Cheese Shop) Oshkosh›Taco Recipe

Taco Recipe

Inspired by MACS (Macaroni And Cheese Shop) Oshkosh
Time35m
Serves4

PEPPER JACK, MOZZARELLA, PICO DE GALLO, SEASONED GROUND BEEF, CHEDDAR, SOUR CREAM, GUACAMOLE, TORTILLA STRIPS

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Macs - Taco Assembly

Method

Macs - Taco Assembly

1

Cook the aromatics

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil. When shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

2

Brown and season the beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and break it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Return to the pan.

3

Add seasoning and finish meat

Stir in 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon tomato paste (if using), and 1/4 cup water or beef broth. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. Taste and adjust with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper as needed. Remove from heat and keep warm.

4

Prepare cheese blend

In a bowl, gently toss together 1/2 cup pepper jack, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup sharp cheddar so the cheese is ready for sprinkling or melting.

5

Warm components

If serving immediately, warm the pico de gallo very briefly (optional) or keep chilled. Reheat tortillas or base (if using mac or tortilla as a base) and keep the cooked beef warm. Preheat oven broiler or set oven to 350°F (175°C) if melting cheese in batches.

6

Assemble tacos / macs

Place a portion of the warm seasoned beef onto each serving (for a taco-style mac, place beef over the mac or base). Sprinkle an even layer of the cheese blend on top of the beef. If you want melted cheese, place under broiler for 1–2 minutes watching carefully until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned, or bake at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.

7

Finish with fresh toppings

Top each assembled portion with 1–2 tablespoons pico de gallo, 1–2 tablespoons guacamole, and 1 tablespoon sour cream. Sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons crispy tortilla strips over the top for crunch. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

8

Serve

Serve immediately while hot and crunchy. Provide extra sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and tortilla strips for guests to customize.