Servings: 6 to 8
If you are looking for the ultimate weeknight comfort food that combines two family favorites into one incredibly satisfying dish, this Easy Taco Mac and Cheese is exactly what you need. It takes the creamy, cheesy goodness of boxed macaroni and cheese and transforms it into a hearty, flavor-packed meal with seasoned ground beef, zesty tomatoes with green chilies, and a savory taco kick.
It comes together in just one skillet and one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It is the perfect dinner for busy evenings, and it is guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a brilliant shortcut meal. By starting with a boxed macaroni and cheese, you save time and get a consistently creamy, cheesy base. The seasoned ground beef mixture, made with taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes, adds a bold, savory depth and a slight kick of heat. Stirring the beef into the macaroni ensures every bite is packed with flavor, and the optional addition of extra shredded cheddar cheese takes the gooeyness over the top.
Ingredients
- 1 box (about 7.25 ounces) macaroni and cheese dinner (such as Kraft)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), undrained
- 1/4 cup water
- Milk and butter (according to the macaroni and cheese package instructions)
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef for 7–8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add taco flavor: Stir in taco seasoning, the undrained Rotel tomatoes, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the flavors combine.
- Make the cheese sauce: Return the drained macaroni to its pot. Add the cheese powder packets, milk, and butter according to package instructions. Stir until creamy.
- Combine everything: Add the seasoned beef mixture to the macaroni and cheese. Stir until evenly coated.
- Make it extra cheesy: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, if using, until melted.
- Serve warm: Spoon into bowls and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Results
Drain the beef well. Excess grease from the ground beef can make the final dish taste heavy and greasy. Take a minute to drain it thoroughly before adding the seasoning.
Don’t skip the simmer. Letting the beef, taco seasoning, and Rotel simmer together for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly, preventing the final dish from becoming watery.
Watch the cheese. If you are adding extra shredded cheddar, stir it in over low heat just until it melts. High heat can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.
Customize the heat. If you love spicy food, use a hot taco seasoning packet or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, use a mild taco seasoning and regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel.
Add some freshness. A sprinkle of chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream on top before serving adds a nice pop of color and a fresh flavor.
Storage and Serving
Store leftover Taco Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened in the fridge. Serve it with a simple green salad or a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Quick, hearty, and packed with cheesy, taco flavor, this Easy Taco Mac and Cheese is a fantastic recipe to keep in your rotation for easy weeknight dinners.