Hey y'all! If you're craving a dinner that's both comforting and packed with zesty flavor, you’re in the right place. This Easy Taco Mac That Combines Two Family Favorites brings together the best of taco night and creamy mac and cheese in one irresistible skillet. It's hearty, cheesy, and loaded with bold taco taste—perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing meal. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Easy Taco Mac That Combines Two Family Favorites
- Quick and easy—ready in just 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
- Packed with cheesy, spicy, and savory flavors everyone loves.
- Simple pantry ingredients make it budget-friendly.
- Great for meal prep, leftovers taste amazing too!
- Kid-friendly, but easy to spice up for adults.
Ingredients for Easy Taco Mac That Combines Two Family Favorites
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups dry)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup frozen corn (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes for garnish (optional)
Directions: How to Make Easy Taco Mac That Combines Two Family Favorites
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Saute Aromatics
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion for about 5-6 minutes, breaking up the meat until browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Season and Simmer
Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, beef broth, macaroni, corn (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Stir in 1 ½ cups of cheddar and all the Monterey Jack until melted and creamy. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let sit for 2-3 minutes to melt. (For an extra golden top, broil uncovered in the oven for 2 minutes if your skillet is oven-safe.)
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and extra diced tomatoes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Notes on Easy Taco Mac That Combines Two Family Favorites
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version—learn more about healthy protein swaps.
- If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
- For perfectly creamy cheese, shred your own instead of using pre-shredded cheese (it melts smoother!).
Variations: Customize Your Easy Taco Mac That Combines Two Family Favorites
- Vegetarian: Omit the beef and use black beans or lentils instead.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free macaroni.
- Extra Veggie: Stir in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach with the onions.
Required Equipment for Easy Taco Mac That Combines Two Family Favorites
- Large skillet or Dutch oven (minimum 12-inch)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese)
- Knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions for Easy Taco Mac That Combines Two Family Favorites
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, or rewarm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it creamy. This dish freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Easy Taco Mac That Combines Two Family Favorites
- Serve with a crisp green salad, warm garlic bread, or tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Pair with a tangy salsa or guacamole for a festive twist.
- Enjoy alongside a refreshing pitcher of margaritas or ice-cold lemonade.
Pro Tips for Easy Taco Mac That Combines Two Family Favorites
- Don't overcook the pasta—check a minute or two before the package directions for best texture.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Double the batch and freeze half for a quick dinner later (learn more about freezer meal tips).
Easy Taco Mac That Combines Two Family Favorites FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or shells all work well in this recipe. - Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mild, but you can adjust the heat by using hot taco seasoning or adding jalapeños. - Can I make Easy Taco Mac ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance—just store covered in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen corn
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
-
1Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
2In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
-
3Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and frozen corn. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
-
4Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix well. Stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
-
5Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
-
6Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!