Taco Mac and Cheese

A dish filled with a hearty pasta meal consisting of shell pasta, ground meat, and diced tomatoes. The food is in a large, round white dish with handles, resting on a burnt orange cloth.

Discover the ultimate comfort food fusion with Taco Mac and Cheese! Creamy, cheesy goodness meets spicy taco flavors, perfect for family meals or parties.

Cuisine American

Keyword cheese, easy recipe, macaroni, taco seasoning

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 391

Author Gina Dickson

Ingredients

12 oz macaroni and cheese box of shells and squeeze cheese style
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
⅔ cup water
10 oz Rotel tomatoes with green chiles can, undrained

Optional Toppings

shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

Cook Mac and Cheese

In a large pot, boil water and cook the macaroni from the boxed macaroni and cheese according to package instructions.
12 oz macaroni and cheese
Once cooked, drain the water, then return the macaroni to the pot.
Squeeze the cheese sauce from the box into the cooked macaroni and stir well to combine.

Prepare Taco Meat

While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no pink shows. Be sure to crumble the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
1 lb ground beef
Add the taco seasoning packet and ⅔ cup water to the skillet with the beef. Stir and let simmer over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens about 3-5 minutes.
2 tablespoons taco seasoning, ⅔ cup water
Stir in the can of Rotel (with juices) until well combined.
10 oz Rotel tomatoes with green chiles

Add Mac and Cheese

Add the prepared macaroni and cheese to the meat mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.

Serve

Serve hot, adding optional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips

Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess.
Substitutions: For a spicier kick, use hot Rotel or add a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef if desired.

Nutrition