If you love the comforting embrace of classic mac and cheese but are craving a bold, zesty twist, this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. It perfectly blends creamy, cheesy pasta with the vibrant flavors of seasoned taco meat and diced tomatoes with green chilies, delivering a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family night or a lively gathering, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s hearty, colorful, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe plays a star role, from the tender elbow macaroni creating the perfect base to the melted cheeses that give it that luscious texture and rich flavor. Each element adds a layer of taste and texture that makes this dish sing.
- Elbow macaroni (1 lb): The classic pasta shape for an ideal cheese-to-noodle ratio and that nostalgic bite.
- Ground beef or turkey (1 lb): Adds savory richness and protein, making this dish a satisfying meal.
- Taco seasoning packet (1): Infuses the meat with a zesty, smoky spice mix crucial for authentic taco flavor.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz can, drained): Adds a subtle heat and juicy texture to brighten the dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Provides sharp flavor and creamy meltiness.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup): Offers a smooth, slightly sweet complement to cheddar for a balanced cheese sauce.
- Milk (4 cups): Creates the creamy base of the cheese sauce, bringing everything together.
- Cream cheese (1/4 cup): Enriches the sauce with extra creaminess and tang.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds a cool, tangy topping to finish the dish beautifully.
- Chopped green onions (1/2 cup): Contributes freshness and a slight crunch as garnish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all flavors.
- Optional toppings: Tortilla chips, jalapeños, cilantro, or diced avocado for personal flair and texture contrast.
How to Make Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water in a large pot, then cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a little bite to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined later. Drain the pasta and set it aside for the next step.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef or turkey. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Once the meat is cooked through, carefully drain any excess fat to keep the dish rich but not greasy.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned meat and stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let this simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld nicely and the meat to absorb that signature taco zest.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate pot, pour in the milk and add cream cheese. Warm over medium heat while whisking until the cream cheese melts smoothly into the milk. Gradually mix in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly to achieve a silky, lump-free sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, balancing the richness perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Now, add the cooked macaroni to your cheese sauce and stir until every piece of pasta is luxuriously coated in cheesy goodness. Then fold in the spiced taco meat mixture, ensuring that each forkful will have that satisfying blend of creamy and savory taco flavors packed in.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon the Taco Mac and Cheese into bowls or a large serving dish. Top each portion with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Don’t hold back on those optional toppings like crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado—they bring fun textures and extra personality to every bite.
How to Serve Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe can elevate the dish from delicious to show-stopping. Chopped green onions add fresh, mild onion notes and a pop of vibrant green. Dollops of sour cream provide cool contrast to the warm, spicy cheese and meat. For heat lovers, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for herbal brightness. Tortilla chips crushed on top introduce a crunchy texture that’s simply addictive.
Side Dishes
This comforting, hearty dish pairs wonderfully with lighter sides to balance the meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast. Charred corn on the cob or a simple black bean salad brings in complementary Mexican-inspired flavors. For a finger-licking feast, serve with warm tortilla chips on the side as a scoop alternative.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try baking the combined Taco Mac and Cheese in a casserole dish topped with an extra layer of shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips for a crispy golden crust. Or serve it in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. You can even layer it with fresh avocado slices and dollops of guacamole for a colorful, creamy twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the toppings separate to maintain their texture and freshness when you’re ready to reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to enjoy it later—just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to two months. To prevent freezer burn, consider wrapping the container with a layer of foil for added protection.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and regain that smooth, creamy texture. If you prefer the microwave, cover the dish and heat in short intervals, stirring between each, to ensure even warming without drying out the cheese sauce. Adding a splash of milk can help loosen the sauce while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to swap in shells, rotini, or penne. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly and choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef or turkey with plant-based ground meat alternatives or cooked lentils. You can also boost flavor with extra taco seasoning and veggies like bell peppers or corn.
Can I prepare this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe in advance?
Definitely. You can cook and combine the pasta, meat, and cheese sauce ahead of time, then refrigerate. When ready, warm it gently and add fresh garnishes just before serving for best results.
What cheese combinations work well if I don’t have cheddar and Monterey Jack?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack offer a great balance of sharpness and creaminess, but you can use mozzarella for gooeyness or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just pick cheeses that melt well for the best sauce texture.
How spicy is the dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and optional toppings. If you prefer milder flavors, use a mild taco seasoning and skip jalapeños. For added kick, add hot sauce or extra chili peppers as you like.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe that blends comfort food with bold Southwest flair. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. I encourage you to give it a try—once you do, it might just become a dinner staple in your house, too!
Print
Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Taco Mac and Cheese recipe combines the classic comfort of creamy macaroni and cheese with the bold flavors of seasoned taco beef and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish features tender elbow macaroni, a rich blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and a savory taco meat mixture, topped with fresh green onions and optional zesty garnishes for an exciting twist on traditional mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Meat Mixture
- 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
Toppings
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Optional toppings: tortilla chips, jalapeños, cilantro, or diced avocado
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir the taco seasoning packet and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies into the browned meat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate pot, heat the milk and cream cheese over medium heat. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until fully melted into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. Then fold in the seasoned meat mixture until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Spoon the Taco Mac and Cheese into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions. For extra flavor and texture, add optional toppings such as crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- Drain excess fat from the meat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning according to your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- Add crushed tortilla chips on top for a crunchy texture contrast.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta.
