Week 41: Taco Mac

I already confessed my unabashed love for Hamburger Helper - Stroganoff style.  I do not, admittedly, feel the same about the taco-style Hamburger Helper, but I decided to try this recipe anyway. Tacos are part of our weekly rotation, and I'm always looking for something similar to switch out.

Adapted from Annie's Eats
Prep and Cook Time: less than 30 minutes

Apologies for the hideous picture. We ate dinner late, and the meal was really, really orange even before the flash.

1 lb ground turkey
8 oz dry pasta shapes
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained
2 packages (1 oz each) low-sodium taco seasoning
3 oz cream cheese, low-fat
1/2 C sour cream, low fat
Salt and pepper



Garnish Options:
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Fritos, crumbled
Green olives, sliced


Bring a large pot of water to boil.  Cook pasta according to the package directions.  Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.  Set aside.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the ground turkey and onions over medium-high heat until the turkey is no longer pink.  Once the turkey is cooked through, mix in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Mix in the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning and let simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

Stir in the cooked pasta, cream cheese, and sour cream, and continue stirring until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well blended.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Simmer over medium-low heat 3-5 minutes to reduce the sauce a bit.  Add part or all of the pasta water to achieve desired consistency in the cheese sauce.

Remove from the heat and top with desired garnishes.

My Notes:
This was great. It took less than 30 minutes to make and was tasty. It's officially part of my week-night rotation.