Easy Taco Macaroni & Cheese Dinner instantly caught my eye while I was scrolling through Pinterest one night. It looked like the ultimate cozy dinner — creamy macaroni swirled with seasoned taco beef and melted cheese on top. I couldn’t resist giving it a try, and after a few tweaks in my kitchen, it turned out even better than I imagined. The taco seasoning adds just the right amount of spice, the cheese makes it perfectly rich, and the pasta ties everything together into one comforting bite. It’s now one of my favorite weeknight meals — simple, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe
Ready in 30 minutes and made in one pot for easy cleanup.
Uses simple pantry staples—nothing fancy or hard to find.
Perfect for busy nights or when you need a lazy dinner recipe with ground beef.
Packed with bold taco flavor and gooey melted cheese that kids and adults both love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ground Beef
Use one pound of lean ground beef. If using regular beef, drain the grease before adding the seasoning.
Onion and Bell Pepper
Add chopped onion and red bell pepper for extra flavor and texture. You can skip them or use onion powder if you’re in a hurry.
Taco Seasoning
Store-bought or homemade—both work great. Adjust the spice level to your liking.
Milk and Beef Broth
Whole milk adds creaminess, while beef broth enhances the savory flavor. Use low-sodium broth if possible.
Rotel Tomatoes
The combination of diced tomatoes and green chilies gives this dish a gentle kick and extra moisture.
Elbow Macaroni
Classic macaroni works perfectly here, but any short pasta like shells or rotini will do.
Cheddar Cheese
Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. Use sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onions, and red bell peppers. Cook until softened and the beef is browned. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2 – Add Seasoning and Liquids
Stir in the taco seasoning and salt. Add milk, beef broth, and Rotel tomatoes. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Step 3 – Add the Pasta
Pour in the dry macaroni. Stir well, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Step 4 – Add the Cheese
Stir in two cups of cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, let it melt, and serve immediately.
Variations and Substitutions
Switch up the meat—try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Add beans like black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Add spice with cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or fire-roasted tomatoes.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can You Freeze Taco Macaroni & Cheese?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, add a bit of milk or broth, and bake at 350°F for 30–40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Make-Ahead Tips
Cook the ground beef and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before assembling the dish.
Pre-chop the vegetables and shred the cheese ahead of time to save prep time.
You can even make the full recipe in advance and reheat it on the stove with a splash of milk.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Taco Macaroni & Cheese Dinner with tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, or diced avocado. It also pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, air-fried veggies, or roasted bell peppers.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 590 | Protein: 40g | Carbohydrates: 44g | Fat: 28g | Sodium: 770mg | Fiber: 3g | Calcium: 511mg | Iron: 3mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is classic, any short pasta such as rotini, shells, or penne works beautifully. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so the noodles stay tender but not mushy.
2. What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives the richest flavor, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a little heat. Always shred your cheese fresh for the creamiest sauce.
3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken make lighter versions of this dish while still keeping all the taco flavor. You may want to add a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, extra taco seasoning, a pinch of cayenne, or a spoonful of hot sauce. Using fire-roasted tomatoes or spicy Rotel also gives a nice kick.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little milk to keep it creamy.
7. Can I freeze Taco Macaroni & Cheese?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
8. What should I serve with it?
Taco Macaroni goes great with tortilla chips, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also top it with avocado, sour cream, or extra cheese for a fun twist.
9. How can I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta, lean ground meat, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add black beans, corn, or chopped bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
10. Why did my sauce turn out too thick or dry?
If the pasta absorbed too much liquid, just stir in a bit of warm milk or broth before serving. It’ll loosen up the sauce and make it creamy again.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Taco Macaroni & Cheese Dinner is everything a weeknight meal should be—quick, affordable, and packed with flavor. The combination of creamy cheese and bold taco seasoning makes it irresistible, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for kids or just need something cozy and easy, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
Easy Taco Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and red bell pepper. Cook until beef is browned and vegetables are soft. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in taco seasoning and salt. Add milk, beef broth, and Rotel tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Add dry macaroni. Stir, cover, and cook over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Reduce heat and stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top. Let it melt, then serve immediately.