If you’ve ever wished for a comforting dinner that combines the zesty spices of Mexican cuisine with the soul-soothing charm of macaroni and cheese, then this Taco Mac Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a one-pot wonder that effortlessly brings together hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a melty blanket of cheddar cheese, all kicked up with taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. This dish is the perfect weeknight crowd-pleaser that’s both exciting and easy to make, promising cozy bites that keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is like assembling an all-star team where each player brings essential flavor and texture to the dish. Every element is simple, yet carefully chosen to create that signature Tex-Mex spirit in every forkful of the Taco Mac Recipe.
- Olive oil: For a light, healthy base to brown the meat and soften the onions without overpowering the flavors.
- Ground beef or ground turkey: The hearty protein foundation, providing richness and substance to the dish.
- Small onion (diced): Delivers a subtle sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the meat.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Adds aromatic warmth and a punch of savoriness to every bite.
- Taco seasoning packet or homemade blend: The star spice mix that transforms this meal with classic taco flavor.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (10-ounce can): Gives the dish its vibrant zing and a little heat.
- Beef or chicken broth: Provides the savory liquid that cooks the pasta and infuses deeper flavor.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and helps develop that luscious sauce when combined with cheese.
- Uncooked elbow macaroni: The comforting pasta that soaks up all the spicy, cheesy goodness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy, gooey layer that crowns the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring balance and highlight the flavors.
- Chopped green onions or cilantro (optional): Fresh garnishes that add a bright, herbal finish.
How to Make Taco Mac Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey along with the diced onion, cooking until the meat is fully browned and the onions become soft and translucent. This early step builds a flavorful base that’s rich and savory. Once cooked, drain excess grease to keep your dish from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning
Next, stir in the minced garlic and your taco seasoning. Cooking this mixture for about a minute helps the spices bloom and the garlic release its fragrance, ensuring each spoonful bursts with that familiar taco flavor we all love.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Broth, Milk, and Pasta
Add the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, broth, milk, and uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine well, then bring the mixture to a boil. This is where the magic begins as the liquids will cook the pasta and unify the flavors.
Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. When the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, you’ll know it’s time for the next step.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Season
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every piece of pasta and meat. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed to perfect your Taco Mac Recipe.
How to Serve Taco Mac Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the richness of the dish beautifully. If you like, add a bit of sliced jalapeño for an extra kick of spice that wakes up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Although this dish shines on its own, pairing it with a crisp side salad or some crunchy tortilla chips provides nice contrast in texture and flavor. Mexican street corn or a simple avocado salad also work wonderfully beside the Taco Mac Recipe to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it straight from the skillet family-style for a cozy dinner, or portion it into individual ramekins for a fun, personalized flair. For a crowd-pleasing party, turn Taco Mac into a bake by topping with extra cheese and baking until golden and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Taco Mac Recipe into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy evenings.
Freezing
You can freeze Taco Mac in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy consistency and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and bring back that comforting warmth.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner option in this Taco Mac Recipe and will still deliver fantastic flavor when combined with the taco seasoning and cheese.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Simply swap the meat for beans like black beans or pinto beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth to keep the dish hearty and flavorful without any meat.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Elbow macaroni is traditional here because it holds sauce well, but you could also try small shells, rotini, or even penne for a slightly different texture and look.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level depends largely on your taco seasoning and the diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can control the spice by choosing mild or hot varieties or leaving out extra spicy additions.
Can I add vegetables to Taco Mac?
Definitely! Additions like corn, bell peppers, or diced jalapeños can boost texture and flavor, making this dish even more colorful and nutritious.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Mac Recipe is truly one of those feel-good meals that brings comfort, flavor, and simplicity to your dinner table. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family. Give it a try soon and enjoy all the cheesy, spicy, and wholesome goodness packed into one delightful potful.
Print
Taco Mac Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Taco Mac is a comforting one-pot Tex-Mex dish combining seasoned ground beef, elbow macaroni, and gooey cheddar cheese in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This easy stovetop meal is perfect for family dinners and comes together quickly with pantry staples and a touch of taco seasoning for a spicy, savory punch.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Finishing and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Sauté Onions: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish less oily.
- Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for 1 more minute to release the aromatic flavors and infuse the meat with taco spices.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, broth, milk, and uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir everything to combine thoroughly, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet or pot and let it simmer gently for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed into a creamy sauce.
- Stir in Cheese and Season: Remove the pot from heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions or cilantro over the top if you like, and serve the Taco Mac warm for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the garlic and taco seasoning.
- Mix in black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for added texture, nutrition, and flavor variety.
- Leftovers store well and reheat easily, making this a great recipe for preparing meals ahead or for quick lunches.
