Easy Taco Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is one of the tastiest comfort food dishes there is, and then of course there are tacos. Perhaps you’re torn between these dinner options. With this recipe, you don’t have to pick just one because it’s a wonderful mixture of both. You have the all-American appeal of mac and cheese along with south-of-the-border flavors in every mouthful.

Perhaps you had tacos last night and still have some of the “fixings” left over in the refrigerator, in which case this is a nice way to use them up.

Cheese, taco seasoning, macaroni and more combine to make this colorful and appetizing fusion recipe, and the tortilla chips on top add crunch and flavor, finishing the recipe off to perfection.

You can adapt this recipe to your palate, using any kind of cheese you want and your preferred fresh toppings. Anything you like to add to a taco will be good served with this.

Plus, it’s great to sneak in some extra veggies and protein. Serve the dish with fresh veggies or a salad for a complete meal.

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Why do I love Taco Mac and Cheese?

This delicious recipe is a clever concoction of two classic favorites – mac and cheese as well as tacos. You can’t go wrong making this fusion comfort food and it boasts so much flavor everyone will love it.

What type of cheese is used in this recipe?

You can use any type of cheese you like. Our favorite is cheddar cheese, but you could also use mozzarella, parmesan, Colby, Monterey jack, or anything else you enjoy.

What kind of toppings can be added to this dish?

• Lettuce
• Cheese
• Tomatoes
• Beans
• Olives
• Green Onions
• Jalapenos
• Sour Cream
• Guacamole
• Queso

How to Serve It:

Enjoy this hot, topped with your favorite taco toppings, such as tomatoes, lettuce, green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, and so on.

Ingredients:

• Macaroni and cheese
• Ground beef
• Water
• Taco seasoning
• Toppings: tomatoes, sour cream, cheddar cheese, salsa, shredded lettuce, etc.

How to make Taco Mac and Cheese recipe:

Step 1. Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the instructions on the box.

Step 2. Heat the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain the extra grease.

Step 3. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and stir in the water and taco seasoning. Simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4. Stir the meat mixture into the macaroni and cheese until well combined.

Step 5. Top with optional toppings of your choice before serving.

Whether you have leftover taco toppings to use up or you simply want to try something new, you’re going to love how easy this taco mac and cheese recipe is to prepare. It’s a delicious combination of American and Mexican ingredients and the flavors meld together wonderfully.

Easy Taco Mac and Cheese

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

This easy taco mac and cheese is a delicious twist on classic comfort food. It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of tacos on a budget. The flavor combination of the cheese, taco seasoning and salsa will have your taste buds singing!

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Ingredients 

• 12 oz. macaroni and cheese, I used a box of 12 oz.
• 1 lb. Ground beef
• ⅔ C. Water
• 1 Packet Taco seasoning
• Toppings: tomatoes, sour cream, cheddar cheese, salsa, shredded lettuce, etc.

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Instructions

• Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the instructions on the box.
• Heat the ground beef in a skillet over medium high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain the extra grease.
• Reduce the heat to medium low, and stir in the water and taco seasoning. Simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed.
• Stir the meat mixture into the macaroni and cheese until well combined.
• Top with optional toppings of your choosing before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 544kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 1442mg | Potassium: 517mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1045IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 5mg

THANKS FOR PINING!

Can You Make It Ahead?

You can make this dish in advance and reheat it before serving, but don’t add the toppings until just before serving.

Storage Instructions:

Leftovers will keep for a few days in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be warmed back up in the microwave.

Variations and Substitutions:

Take your pick from any toppings you want to add. Lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, refried beans, sliced black olives, and shredded cheese are just some ideas.

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