Name: Taco Macaroni & Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 pound ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 4 ounces cream cheese; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of cheesy pasta, but when you toss in bold taco flavors and hearty ground beef, magic truly happens. This Taco Macaroni & Cheese takes two weeknight favorites and fuses them into one irresistible dish that the whole family will crave. It’s creamy, zesty, a little smoky, and packed with gooey melted cheese that clings to every bite of pasta.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just need a quick dinner idea that feels special, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s one-pot friendly, easy to customize with your favorite toppings, and comes together in about 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings that taco-night vibe right to your cozy kitchen table.

Why You’ll Love This Taco Macaroni & Cheese

Taco Macaroni & Cheese delivers the best of both worlds: the cheesy comfort of classic mac and cheese and the bold, seasoned punch of tacos. The taco seasoning infuses the dish with depth, and the rich cheddar cheese sauce keeps it ultra-creamy. It’s also incredibly adaptable. You can spice it up with jalapeños, mix in some black beans or corn, or top it off with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy finish. It’s great for leftovers too—if there are any.

Can I Use Any Kind of Macaroni or Pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds the cheese sauce beautifully, feel free to use shells, rotini, or even penne. Just make sure whatever pasta you choose can hold onto the sauce. If you want to make it gluten-free, just sub in your favorite gluten-free pasta and keep everything else the same.

Ingredients for the Taco Macaroni & Cheese

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It uses pantry staples and ingredients that are probably already in your fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

Elbow macaroni – This is the pasta of choice for soaking up all that cheesy, taco-infused goodness.

Ground beef – Brings savory richness and makes the meal hearty enough to stand on its own.

Taco seasoning – This is where the magic happens. A pre-made packet works fine, or you can use a homemade blend for more control over the flavor.

Tomato paste – Adds a concentrated tang and deepens the taco flavor.

Milk – Helps create that luscious creamy cheese sauce.

Cheddar cheese – The star of the show. Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives that signature mac and cheese stretch.

Cream cheese – Adds extra creaminess and a slight tang that balances the spices.

Onion – Optional, but sautéed onions bring sweetness and complexity.

Garlic – Just a touch goes a long way in rounding out the flavors.

Salt & pepper – To taste, and to bring all the other ingredients into harmony.

How To Make the Taco Macaroni & Cheese

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato paste. Mix well to coat the meat evenly.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the milk and bring to a simmer. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Gradually add in the cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss in the cooked macaroni and stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in the taco-cheese sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken, then serve hot.

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Taco Mac (Feeds 4-6 People)

Serve this cheesy taco mac straight from the stove with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or green onions. It also pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or steamed veggies for balance. If you have leftovers, they store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.

What to Serve With Taco Macaroni & Cheese?

Crisp Green Salad

A refreshing salad with romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime vinaigrette lightens up the richness.

Roasted Corn with Lime

Charred corn seasoned with chili and a squeeze of lime is the perfect Tex-Mex-inspired side.

Tortilla Chips and Salsa

Crispy chips with salsa or guacamole make for a fun and crunchy complement.

Black Beans

Simple seasoned black beans add fiber and make the meal even more filling.

Garlic Bread

If you’re leaning into the comfort food angle, cheesy garlic bread never fails.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

This creamy, spicy corn dish makes an indulgent and festive addition.

Pickled Jalapeños

Add heat and tang to cut through the creamy pasta.

Avocado Slices

Cool, buttery avocado slices offer a mellow contrast to the bold flavors.

Want More Cheesy Dinner Ideas?

If this Taco Macaroni & Cheese hit the spot, here are more irresistible options to add to your dinner rotation:

Try the ultra-creamy Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a fun twist on enchiladas.
You’ll love the nostalgic vibes of Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad.
Craving cozy and cheesy? Check out the Creamy Cajun Linguine.
The hearty Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup is a great creamy soup alternative.
Or dig into some comfort with this Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Did you top yours with hot sauce or keep it classic? Maybe you added a sprinkle of crushed Doritos? I’d love to hear how you made it your own in the comments.

Explore more dinner-time favorites and weeknight heroes over on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Taco Macaroni & Cheese is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s simple, satisfying, and easy to whip up even on your busiest days. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and creamy comfort, this one’s sure to earn a spot in your regular meal rotation.