Taco Mac and Cheese: Cheesy Tex-Mex Pasta Bake for Dinner

Taco Macaroni and Cheese is the ideal easy weeknight meal to add to your rotation. It combines seasoned ground beef, creamy macaroni and cheese, and Rotel tomatoes for a quick, satisfying dish ready in under 30 minutes.

Taco Macaroni and Cheese

If you follow me on TikTok or Facebook, you may have seen the video for this Taco Mac. It’s a favorite because it’s simple to make, uses easy-to-find ingredients, and stretches to feed a whole family. It’s fast to prepare, great for meal planning, and the leftovers heat up well.

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
2. 2 boxes macaroni and cheese (your preferred brand)
3. 1 can Rotel (seasoned diced tomatoes)
4. 1 packet taco seasoning

We used a three-cheese boxed macaroni and cheese in the photos, but any brand or pasta shape will work. Rotel is a convenient choice because it’s already seasoned—look for it in the canned tomato aisle.

Instructions:

1. In one large pot, prepare the two boxes of macaroni and cheese according to the package directions.

2. While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a separate large pan. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add the taco seasoning to the drained beef and stir, following the seasoning packet directions (usually adding a bit of water and simmering a few minutes).

4. Stir the can of Rotel tomatoes into the seasoned meat just to warm them through—the tomatoes are already cooked and will heat while the meat simmers.

5. When the macaroni and cheese is ready, add it to the taco meat and gently fold until everything is evenly combined. Serve immediately.

This recipe is family-friendly and easy enough to involve kids—mixing the finished dish over low heat is a simple and safe step for young helpers.

“Made it tonight, served with cornbread & salad. Family liked it very much. Will make again!”

Tracey

“This was super easy for me to make and tasted great!! Thank you!”

Hannah

Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe

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Taco Mac and Cheese

Taco Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect easy weeknight meal you need to add to your meal planning menu! It’s a blend of ground beef, macaroni and cheese, and taco seasoning all rolled into one fantastic dish.

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large pan
• Large spoon for stirring

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 2 boxes Macaroni and Cheese – your preferred brand (boiling water, milk, and butter are usual ingredients)
• 1 can Rotel (seasoned diced tomatoes)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (Usually requires water)

Instructions

• In one pot, prepare the macaroni and cheese according to package directions.
• In a separate pan, brown the ground beef and drain the fat.
• Add the taco seasoning to the beef and stir until combined, adding water if the packet directs.
• Add the can of Rotel tomatoes to the seasoned meat and warm through as the meat simmers.
• Once the macaroni and cheese is cooked, add it to the meat mixture and stir until evenly combined. Serve and enjoy.

Video

Additional Info