If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food mashup, look no further than Taco Mac and Cheese. This scrumptious dish delivers everything you love about Tex-Mex tacos and classic mac and cheese, all in one skillet. With creamy cheese, savory taco-seasoned beef, and tender noodles—plus a rainbow of fresh toppings—it’s a weeknight dinner that brings a smile to the whole table. Trust me, after one bite, Taco Mac and Cheese will quickly become a star in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how straightforward this recipe is, using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Every addition plays a part—whether it’s to add richness, zesty flavor, gooey cheesiness, or just that perfect bit of Tex-Mex personality.
- Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for extra flavor, or swap with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Taco seasoning mix: The secret to classic taco gusto—store-bought or homemade both work!
- Water: Helps distribute the seasoning and keeps the beef juicy.
- Elbow macaroni: Nothing soaks up that luscious cheese sauce quite like these little pasta elbows.
- Butter: Adds richness to the base of the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Creates a silky smooth roux so the cheese sauce clings to every noodle.
- Milk: Whole milk is best for creaminess, but any milk you have will work.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and makes the base of your classic mac and cheese flavor.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds creamy, mild flavor that balances the sharper cheddar.
- Garlic powder: A touch of aromatic depth that brings everything together.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle, smoky undertone that plays off the taco spices.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t forget to taste and adjust at the end for just the right seasoning.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Delivers a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Diced tomatoes and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional): Bring fresh color, tang, and heat to finish off your Taco Mac and Cheese masterpiece.
How to Make Taco Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside—don’t rinse, so the sauce clings later! This simple step sets the foundation for that perfect cheesy base every Taco Mac and Cheese needs.
Step 2: Brown and Season the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef. Cook it, breaking it up as you go, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Drain off any extra fat—unless you want that extra richness—then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, until the beef gets coated in a thick, flavorful sauce. This is where the Tex-Mex flavor really comes alive!
Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce
While your beef simmers, get another saucepan going over medium heat. Melt the butter, then whisk in the flour to make a golden roux. After a minute, slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Time to add all that glorious cheese—cheddar and Monterey Jack—stirring until everything is melted, silky, and dreamily smooth. Finish by seasoning with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This is the gooey heart of your Taco Mac and Cheese.
Step 4: Combine and Heat Through
Now comes the fun part: In a large pot or the same skillet (if it’s big enough), combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and taco beef. Stir everything together so every noodle is coated in cheese and studded with taco-spiced beef. Let it all heat through for a couple of minutes, letting those flavors really mingle and meld beautifully.
Step 5: Add Garnishes and Serve
Spoon your Taco Mac and Cheese into bowls, and add a personal touch with fresh cilantro, juicy diced tomatoes, and fiery jalapeños if you like a kick. Serve it up piping hot, and be ready for smiles all around the table!
How to Serve Taco Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
The right toppings can transform your Taco Mac and Cheese from cozy comfort food into a colorful, flavor-packed showstopper. Sprinkle on chopped fresh cilantro for herbal brightness, scatter over some diced tomatoes for juicy freshness, or add sliced jalapeños for a little extra excitement. Even a handful of crushed tortilla chips or a dollop of sour cream is fair game—let everyone customize their perfect bowl!
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to be the main event, but it loves a sidekick. Think crisp green salads, tangy pickled veggies, or classic refried beans. If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, add some cornbread or a side of roasted corn on the cob to keep the Tex-Mex spirit alive.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow at your next get-together? Try serving Taco Mac and Cheese in individual ramekins for a personal touch, spoon it into baked bell pepper halves for a colorful twist, or even serve it as a topping for nachos at your next party. The possibilities are as wide as your imagination, and trust me—this recipe never fails to impress with both flavor and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Taco Mac and Cheese stays creamy and satisfying, making it perfect for a next-day lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. While the texture of the cheese sauce might change ever so slightly, it’s still absolutely delicious.
Reheating
Reheat Taco Mac and Cheese on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen things up and restore that creamy texture. Stir gently, and you’ll have a meal that’s just as good as the day you made it.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and grabs onto the cheese sauce perfectly, feel free to substitute shells, rotini, or any small, twisty pasta you have in your pantry. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I make my Taco Mac and Cheese spicier?
Spice lovers, rejoice! Try swapping Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese, add some diced jalapeños to the beef, or stir a little hot sauce right into the cheese sauce. You can really crank up the heat to your taste.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’re in the mood to switch it up, ground turkey or chicken works great and lightens up the dish a bit. You can even try a vegetarian version using plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein boost.
Can I make Taco Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish as directed, then let it cool, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently with a splash of milk on the stove or in the oven covered with foil. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy nights.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Kids and adults both love Taco Mac and Cheese, thanks to its creamy texture and familiar flavors. Just go easy on the jalapeños or spicy toppings, and you’ll have happy eaters of all ages!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a bowl of hearty, cheesy, flavor-packed Taco Mac and Cheese—especially when you know it’s so easy to make at home. If you haven’t tried this twist on classic mac yet, now is the perfect time. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as my family does!
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Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Taco Mac and Cheese recipe combines the flavors of traditional mac and cheese with the zesty kick of tacos, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Cheesy, creamy, and packed with seasoned ground beef, it’s a comforting dish with a Tex-Mex twist.
Ingredients
For the Taco Seasoned Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
For the Macaroni and Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Diced tomatoes and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Taco Seasoned Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly whisk in milk. Cook until thickened, then stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Mix the cheese sauce, cooked pasta, and taco-seasoned beef in a pot or skillet. Heat through and garnish with cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapeños. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use pepper jack cheese or add hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
