If there’s a dish that perfectly blends comforting, cheesy goodness with a bold, zesty twist, it has to be this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe. Imagine creamy, velvety cheese sauce wrapping around tender elbow macaroni, combined with savory, spiced ground beef and those little bursts of heat and freshness from diced tomatoes with chilies. It’s the ultimate mashup that brings together the best of two beloved classics: taco night and mac and cheese, making it pure magic on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first joyous step toward this flavor-packed feast. Each component plays a role in creating the perfect balance of texture, warmth, and richness that makes this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe unforgettable.
- Elbow macaroni (1 lb): A classic pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce beautifully in its curves.
- Ground beef or turkey (1 lb): Adds a hearty, savory element that makes this dish filling and satisfying.
- Taco seasoning packet (1): The magic blend of spices that gives the dish its unmistakable southwestern flair.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz, drained): Adds a fresh, mildly spicy kick and vibrant color.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Sharp and creamy, cheddar melts perfectly to form the sauce’s rich backbone.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup): Adds a mellow, buttery contrast that enhances the sauce’s silkiness.
- Milk (4 cups): Creates the creamy base for the cheese sauce, keeping it smooth and luscious.
- Cream cheese (1/4 cup): Brings extra creaminess and a subtle tang that elevates the overall flavor.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Perfect for topping, it adds a cool, refreshing balance to the warm, spicy dish.
- Chopped green onions (1/2 cup): Brightens up the plate with a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight and blend all the other flavors.
- Optional toppings: Tortilla chips, jalapeños, cilantro, or diced avocado—each adds extra texture, heat, and freshness.
How to Make Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your elbow macaroni until it reaches al dente—just tender enough to hold up but still with a little bite. This prevents it from turning mushy once it’s mixed with the sauce later. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
While the macaroni cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown your ground beef or turkey. As it cooks, break it up into small crumbles. Once fully cooked through, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy but still flavorful.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning and Tomatoes
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning packet and stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let this mixture cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing all those spices and flavors to mingle beautifully. This step transforms the meat into a bold, saucy filling that’s packed with southwestern charm.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate pot, gently warm the milk and cream cheese over medium heat, whisking to melt the cream cheese completely. Gradually add in your shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce is perfectly smooth and creamy. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to balance out the rich flavors.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the hot cheese sauce over your cooked macaroni and stir until the pasta is fully coated in cheesy goodness. Then fold in the seasoned meat mixture, making sure every bite is bursting with flavor from that spiced beef and tomato chili combo.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out the Taco Mac and Cheese into bowls and add a dollop of sour cream, followed by a sprinkling of chopped green onions. If you want to go all out, top with crushed tortilla chips, fiery jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or creamy diced avocado to customize each serving just how you love it.
How to Serve Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes bring brightness and texture to this wonderfully creamy dish. Sour cream adds a cool offset to the spiced meat, while green onions provide a fresh crunch. Crushed tortilla chips give you that irresistible salty crunch, and extras like jalapeños or avocado add layers of heat or smoothness that turn the dish into a true flavor sensation.
Side Dishes
Pair this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe with simple sides like a crisp green salad or grilled corn on the cob to lighten things up. Mexican street corn salad or a platter of fresh veggies also complement the robust flavors and make your meal feel balanced and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun presentation, serve your Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or colorful bowls. You can also turn it into a casserole by layering the pasta with cheese and meat, topping with crushed tortilla chips, and baking until bubbly for a cozy twist that’s perfect for gathering with friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Taco Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too! Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much to bring it back to that luscious consistency you fell in love with the first time.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a lighter alternative and still soaks up the taco seasoning beautifully. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat, just like with beef.
What cheeses work best for the sauce?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are our go-to because they melt smoothly and offer great flavor contrast, but you can experiment with pepper jack for a little extra kick or even a creamy cheese like mozzarella to change things up.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level is mild thanks to the green chilies in the diced tomatoes and the taco seasoning, but it’s easy to customize by adding fresh jalapeños or hot sauce if you want to turn up the spice.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook all the components in advance and then combine and warm everything just before serving. It’s a great dish to make ahead for gatherings or busy weeknights.
What are good toppings to add for extra flavor and texture?
Try crushed tortilla chips for crunch, sour cream for creaminess, chopped cilantro for freshness, sliced jalapeños for heat, or diced avocado to add a rich, buttery texture.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels like a warm hug and a little fiesta on your plate all at once. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand or prefer flavor-wise. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a family favorite that everyone craves!
Print
Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Taco Mac and Cheese recipe combines the comforting creaminess of classic mac and cheese with the bold, spicy flavors of taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Ground beef is browned and seasoned to perfection, then mixed into a rich cheese sauce with elbow macaroni, creating a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for casual dinners or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
Cheese Sauce
- 4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes and Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Optional toppings: tortilla chips, jalapeños, cilantro, or diced avocado
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies into the browned meat. Cook together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld, stirring frequently.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate pot over medium heat, warm the milk and cream cheese, whisking continuously until the cream cheese melts completely. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat all the pasta. Then, fold in the seasoned meat mixture until everything is evenly combined.
- Serve: Spoon the Taco Mac and Cheese into serving bowls. Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions. Add any optional toppings such as crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- For a spicier dish, add jalapeños or use a hot taco seasoning blend.
- Feel free to substitute the cheeses with your favorite melting cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and verify that the taco seasoning is gluten-free.
