If you love the bold flavors of tacos and the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese, this Taco Macaroni and Cheese is going to be your new favorite dish! It’s a fusion of two classics, combining spicy, cheesy, and hearty goodness into one irresistible meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or any time you crave something deliciously satisfying. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer!
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Why You’ll Love Taco Macaroni and Cheese
Bold & Flavorful: A perfect blend of taco seasoning, melty cheese, and tender pasta for a mouthwatering bite every time.
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor! This dish is made in one pot for maximum convenience.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy schedules.
Customizable: Easily switch up the protein, spice level, or cheese blend to suit your taste.
Kid-Approved: A guaranteed hit with the whole family—kids and adults alike will devour this cheesy, taco-flavored goodness.
Ingredients in Taco Macaroni and Cheese
Here’s what makes this dish extra special:
Ground Beef or Turkey: The hearty protein base, seasoned to perfection with taco spices.
Onion & Garlic: Adds depth and richness to the overall flavor.
Taco Seasoning: The star of the show, bringing in all the classic taco flavors.
Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: A savory, slightly tangy element that balances the richness.
Elbow Macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to soak up all that cheesy goodness.
Beef or Chicken Broth: Enhances flavor while helping cook the pasta perfectly.
Heavy Cream or Milk: Adds extra creaminess to the sauce.
Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese: A gooey, melty duo that makes every bite extra delicious.
Jalapeños (Optional): For a spicy kick, if you like some heat.
Fresh Cilantro & Green Onions: A fresh, herby garnish that brightens up the dish.
Instructions
Let’s dive into this irresistible dish:
Cook the Meat: In a large pot or skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the meat and cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
Season It Up: Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring the meat is well-coated in all that flavorful goodness.
Add the Tomatoes & Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir everything together.
Cook the Pasta: Add the macaroni, cover, and let it cook until tender, stirring occasionally.
Make It Creamy: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream or milk to add a luscious, creamy texture.
Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and gooey.
Final Touches: Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, and sliced jalapeños if using.
Serve & Enjoy: Scoop into bowls and dig into this ultra-comforting dish!
How to Serve Taco Macaroni and Cheese
Take this dish to the next level with these serving ideas:
With Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips make the perfect side or dipping companion.
Topped with Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spice and adds extra creaminess.
With Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado adds a buttery texture that complements the cheesy goodness.
Wrapped in a Tortilla: Transform it into a cheesy taco-style wrap for a fun twist.
Additional Tips
- Spice It Up: Add extra chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce if you love heat.
- Make It Healthier: Swap in whole wheat pasta and use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Use Different Cheese: Try Pepper Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican cheese blend for more flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers.
- Thicker Sauce: Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
FAQ
Q1: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A1: Absolutely! Swap out the meat for black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Q2: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A2: Yes! Shells, rotini, or penne work just as well.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A5: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a little milk to keep it creamy.
Q6: Can I make it in the Instant Pot?
A6: Yes! Brown the meat using the sauté function, then add all ingredients except cheese and milk. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then stir in the cheese and milk after cooking.
Q7: Can I make it dairy-free?
A7: Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk.
Q8: What proteins can I use instead of beef?
A8: Ground turkey, chicken, or even chorizo are great alternatives.
Q9: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A9: Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, or zucchini make great additions.
Q10: Can I make it extra cheesy?
A10: Of course! Just add an extra cup of cheese or top with a cheese sauce before serving.
Final Thoughts
Taco Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup cheesy, spicy, and loaded with flavor. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and get ready for a new family favorite!
Print
Taco Macaroni and Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Taco Mac and Cheese is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with seasoned ground beef and Rotel tomatoes for a flavorful, cheesy twist on taco night!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 boxes macaroni and cheese (plus ingredients listed on the box: boiling water, milk, and butter)
- 1 can Rotel (seasoned diced tomatoes)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (plus required water)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni and cheese: Prepare the boxed macaroni and cheese according to package directions.
- Cook the meat: In a large pan, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat, then drain the excess fat.
- Season: Add the taco seasoning (with the required water) to the cooked meat and stir well. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Add the Rotel: Stir in the canned Rotel tomatoes and allow them to warm with the seasoned meat.
- Combine: Once the macaroni and cheese is ready, mix it into the seasoned taco meat. Stir until fully combined and heated through.
- Serve & enjoy!
Notes
- Use homemade macaroni and cheese instead of boxed for a richer flavor.
- Swap ground beef for turkey or black beans for a leaner or vegetarian option.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Twas delicious, I added bacon bits and sprinkled some Mexican blend cheese on top.