Taco Mac and Cheese: High-Protein Comfort Food

4-Day Meal Prep

This Taco Mac and Cheese is proof that you can enjoy flavorful comfort food while sticking to your health goals. Packed with protein and delicious taco-inspired flavors, this meal prep will keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the week. The best part? It doesn’t taste like “diet food” and is incredibly easy to make.

Each serving contains:

• 519 calories

• 50g of protein

Ingredients (Makes 5 servings):

• 1 lb 93% lean ground beef

• 1 taco seasoning packet

• 1 Roma tomato, diced

• 1/4 of a medium white onion, diced

• 1 box (8 oz) Banza protein elbow macaroni

• 1 tsp olive oil

For the cheese sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups low-fat cottage cheese

• 1/2 cup milk of your choice

• 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

• 1 packet of mac and cheese powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

1. Cook the Ground Beef

• Add 1 tsp of olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat.

• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once it begins to brown, add the taco seasoning packet, 3 tbsp of water, the diced tomato, and diced onion. Cook until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are softened.

2. Prepare the Pasta

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Banza protein macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Blend the Cheese Sauce

• In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, mac and cheese powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

4. Combine and Portion

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, the pasta, and the cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated.

• Divide the mac and cheese into 5 equal portions and store them in meal prep containers.

Meal Prep Safety Tips

• Cool Before Storing: Allow the mac and cheese to cool before sealing the containers to prevent condensation, which can lead to bacterial growth.

• Refrigerate Promptly: Store the meal prep containers in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.

• Consume Within 4-5 Days: For the best taste and safety, eat this meal within 4-5 days.

• Reheat Thoroughly: Microwave your portions until they are steaming hot before eating.

Additional Notes

• Feel free to swap the Banza pasta for any other high-protein pasta you prefer.

• Want to boost the veggies? Add diced bell peppers or zucchini when cooking the ground beef.

• If you’re looking for more spice, toss in a pinch of chili powder or a few diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.

This Taco Mac and Cheese is filling, delicious, and tastes like a guilty pleasure without the guilt. It’s a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks, and you’ll love how simple it is to put together!