Easy Taco Mac and Cheese
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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!
Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover taco fixings you might have in the fridge.

This easy taco mac and cheese is the perfect weeknight meal. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and is sure to please everyone in the family. The combination of cheese, taco seasoning and salsa gives the dish a unique and flavorful kick.

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.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.
Why do I love Taco Mac and Cheese?
- Taco Mac and Cheese is an incredibly flavorful dish that combines two classic comfort foods: tacos and macaroni and cheese.
- The taco seasoning gives the mac and cheese a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesy sauce.
- The crunchy topping of tortilla chips adds a delicious texture to the dish.
- This dish is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- The dish can be customized to suit your tastes, so you can add any taco ingredients you like, such as ground beef, bell peppers, or jalapenos.
- Taco Mac and Cheese is a great way to switch up your regular mac and cheese routine and make something special.
- It’s a great dish for sharing with friends and family and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
- It’s a kid-friendly dish that’s sure to please picky eaters.
- You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later.
- Taco Mac and Cheese is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of tacos and mac and cheese in one dish.

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

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.

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Easy Taco Mac and Cheese
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
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Taco Mac and Cheese Tips
If you’re looking for a tasty taco mac and cheese creation, here are some great tips.
- First, choose your favorite taco seasoning mix to give the dish maximum taco flavor.
- Secondly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese – different cheeses can offer unique flavors and textures so try out different combinations until you find one that works best for you.
- Finally, use freshly cooked ground beef for best results as it will add a delicious depth of flavor.
- Once all of your ingredients are prepared, cooking taco mac and cheese is simple – just combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan and simmer until everything is heated through.
Taco Mac and Cheese Variations
Taco mac and cheese is so versatile that you can easily create your own variations depending on what flavors you like.
- For example, if you want to make it a bit more filling try adding some cooked chorizo, mushrooms, or veggies for extra texture. Or add beans for protein – black beans would work well in taco mac and cheese.
- You could also swap out the taco seasoning mix for a different type of seasoning mix such as Cajun, Mexican or Italian. This will give the dish an entirely new flavor profile making taco mac and cheese undeniably delicious!
- Finally, feel free to top off your taco mac and cheese with all sorts of toppings – anything from diced tomatoes to sliced olives works great!
Does this dish require baking or does it require stove-top cooking?
This taco mac and cheese is a stovetop recipe. You’ll need to boil the macaroni and then brown the ground beef. Then you’ll add the seasoning, water, and toppings to the skillet. You won’t even need to turn on the oven.
What type of macaroni is used in this recipe?
You’ll just need to use a box of elbow macaroni. You can swap the macaroni for penne rigate, spaghetti, or linguine if desired.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
You’ll be ready to devour the mac n cheese taco skillet in about 30 minutes. It’s fast and easy!
Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
No, it’s not vegetarian-friendly. However, you could omit the ground beef and make it vegetarian.
What can be substituted for taco seasoning?
You can combine your favorite chili powder with some ground cumin in place of the taco seasoning. Season to your liking then tastes it. Add more or less, depending on your preference.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes! Mix in some green chiles, red pepper flakes, or jalapenos to add some heat. You could also add a touch of cayenne pepper too.

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