The culinary preparation under examination merges elements of established convenience foods with the flavors associated with Mexican-inspired cuisine. It typically involves ground beef, pasta (often elbow macaroni), a processed cheese sauce mix, and taco seasoning. The addition of crushed tortilla chips or hard taco shells contributes the “crunchy” texture, creating a textural contrast within the dish.
The appeal of such a preparation lies in its ease of execution and affordability, making it a practical option for quick weeknight meals. It benefits from leveraging readily available ingredients and requiring minimal cooking skill. Its prevalence may stem from a desire to introduce familiar Mexican-American flavors into a standard, family-friendly meal format.