Dinner

Easy Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe

ByJake Silas February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

This Easy Taco Mac and Cheese is a comforting twist on a classic favorite, combining creamy cheese with bold taco flavors. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

A large silver pot filled with cooked macaroni pasta mixed with ground beef and small diced red and green bell peppers, creating a colorful mix of light yellow, brown, red, and green. A wooden spoon is stirring the dish from the right side. In the background, there is a white marbled surface with fresh whole tomatoes, diced tomatoes in a small bowl, and a bowl of sour cream, all slightly blurred. The scene has warm and natural lighting, emphasizing the steam and texture of the cooked food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz. elbow macaroni
1.3 lbs. lean ground beef
2 Tbsp. taco seasoning
1/2 cup beef broth or water
1/2 cup salsa
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 large tomato, chopped
2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and spread it out. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until browned underneath, then flip and stir. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked, about 3-4 more minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning, then add the beef broth or water. Mix well, then stir in the salsa. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the heavy cream, then add the shredded Cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
Step 6: Fold in the chopped tomato and green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when stirring in the salsa.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Swap Cheddar for a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Top with crushed tortilla chips or sliced jalapeños for added texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the mixture becomes too thick or dry.

How to Serve

A pot filled with cooked elbow macaroni pasta, mixed with browned ground meat, small pieces of red tomato, and melted cheese, creating a slightly creamy texture. The dish has a mix of beige pasta, brown meat, red tomato bits, and yellowish melted cheese all combined evenly. A woman's hand holds a wooden spoon stirring the pasta inside the pot. In the background, there are fresh red tomatoes, a bowl of white sour cream, and a bowl with crushed red ingredients, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep the dish vegetarian while maintaining protein and texture.

Is it possible to freeze Taco Mac and Cheese?

While you can freeze the dish, the texture of the pasta and cheese sauce may change slightly. For best results, store in a freezer-safe container and reheat thawed portions gently with added liquid as needed.

Easy Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 155 reviews

Author: Jake
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Easy Taco Mac and Cheese is a comforting one-pan meal combining creamy Cheddar macaroni with flavorful taco-seasoned ground beef. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features tender elbow macaroni tossed in a cheesy, slightly spicy sauce with fresh tomatoes and green onions for added freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz. elbow macaroni

Beef Mixture

1.3 lbs. lean ground beef
2 Tbsp. taco seasoning
1/2 cup beef broth or water
1/2 cup salsa

Cheese Sauce

1/4 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Garnish

1 large tomato, chopped
2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and spread it evenly in the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to brown the underside. Flip and stir the beef, then continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked through, another 3-4 minutes.
Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the beef. Pour in the beef broth or water and stir to combine. Add the salsa, stir again, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld.
Create the Cheese Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the heavy cream, then add the shredded Cheddar cheese gradually, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, about 1 minute.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the skillet and stir well to fully coat the pasta with the cheesy taco beef sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Fold in the chopped tomato and green onions, then serve the dish hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Adjust the amount of taco seasoning depending on your preferred spice level.
For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of beef broth or allow the sauce to simmer slightly longer.
This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: taco mac and cheese, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, weeknight meal

Jake Silas

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