Mac and Cheese Cowboy Cups
Mac and Cheese Cowboy Cups turn classic boxed mac into a bold, handheld bake with taco-seasoned beef, tomatoes with green chiles, and gooey pepper Jack. Each muffin-style portion has a cheesy, spicy kick with crispy edges and a tender, saucy center. Great for game day, potlucks, or a fun weeknight dinner with toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro.
- Prep25 mins
- Cook20 mins
- Serves24
- DifficultyEasy
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Mac and Cheese Cowboy Cups, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 45 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 0 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityFair
- 52 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Processed Culinary Ingredients
- 2 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 24
- Heart Health
- 56
- Metabolic
- 12
- Digestive
- 20
- Inflammatory
- 32
- Performance
- 29
- General Wellness
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease 2 standard 12-cup muffin tins.
- 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Stir in the macaroni and boil for 5 minutes; drain and return it to the pot. Mix in the cheese packet, milk, and butter until smooth and creamy. Set aside and keep warm.
- 3
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook, stirring often and breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Add the taco seasoning and onion and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the water and cook, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the tomatoes and remove from the heat.
- 4
Stir the beef mixture into the prepared macaroni and cheese. Season to taste with additional taco seasoning. Stir in the cheese. Scoop the mixture into the prepared muffin pans. Use a small spoon to make a small well in the center for toppings later. Alternatively, the mixture can be placed in a lightly greased casserole dish and baked as a side dish.
- 5
Bake in the preheated oven until browned around the edges and bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes. Serve with desired toppings.
- Calories 209.33 kcal Moderate 10%
- Protein 9.57 g Moderate 19%
- Carbohydrate 7.23 g 3%
- Total Fat 15.74 g High 20%
- Saturated Fat 9.05 g High 45%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 54.02 mg Moderate 18%
- Sodium 272.9 mg Moderate 12%
- Dietary Fiber 0.42 g Low Source 2%
- Total Sugars 2.06 g --
- Added Sugars 0.02 g Low Source 0%
- Calcium 170.45 mg Moderate 13%
- Iron 0.51 mg Low Source 3%
- Potassium 96.82 mg Low Source 2%
- Vitamin A 2.83 mcg Low Source 0%
- Vitamin C 0.02 mg Low Source 0%
- Vitamin D 0.19 mcg Low Source 1%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Milk 🥛
- Wheat 🌾
- Gluten
- Tomatoes 🍅
- Onions 🧅
About This Recipe
Mac and Cheese Cowboy Cups is made with 9 ingredients and serves 24. It takes about 45 mins and is rated easy. Key ingredients include Butter, Diced Onion, Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, and Ground Beef. Each serving provides about 209.33 kcal.
Recipe Questions
- What is Mac and Cheese Cowboy Cups made of?
- The main ingredients are Butter, Diced Onion, Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, Ground Beef, Macaroni & Cheese. The full list of 9 is above.
- How long does it take to make Mac and Cheese Cowboy Cups?
- About 45 mins in total: 25 mins to prepare and 20 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 209.33 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Mac and Cheese Cowboy Cups easy to make?
- This recipe is rated easy, with 9 ingredients and 5 steps.
- Is Mac and Cheese Cowboy Cups healthy?
- Mac and Cheese Cowboy Cups has an easyChef Pro health score of 34/100. Per serving, it provides 209.33 calories and 9.57 g of protein, or 19% of the Daily Value. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 272.9 mg (12% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 9.05 g (45% of the Daily Value). It contains Milk, Wheat, Gluten, Tomatoes and Onions, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
How easyChef Pro scores recipes and products
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The calculation evaluates nutrients, calorie density, processing level, and how well the food supports your selected health goal. Protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients can strengthen the score. High amounts of sodium, saturated fat, added sugar and other nutrients may lower it.
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