Looking for an easy one-pot dinner idea? This Taco Macaroni & Cheese is a taco-seasoned ground beef mixture paired with tender pasta and creamy cheese! Change up taco Tuesday with this delicious easy dinner that even the kids will get excited for!
I am all about easy and quick dinners, and this recipe will truly transform your mealtime. Plus it’s a one-pan dinner so there is minimal cleanup!
Be sure to try my slow cooker firecracker chicken, and taco meatloaf, or try this Birria tacos for more dinner inspiration.
Why You Will Love This Taco Macaroni and Cheese…
- Easy everyday ingredients are used that are budget-friendly.
- 30-minute dinner idea for when you need a quick dinner for busy weeknights.
- Kid-friendly flavors in this cheesy pasta dish.
- Reheats well, so if you have leftovers enjoy dinner or lunch later in the week.
Ingredients Needed
Ground Beef – Reach for ground beef or even a ground turkey or ground chicken for this recipe.
Onion – A yellow or white onion is best for this recipe. Just finely dice up the onion so it incorporates well.
Seasoning – Salt, garlic powder, pepper, and taco seasoning are used in this recipe to flavor the dish.
Broth – Reach for a broth to richen the flavor of the dish and as it soaks into the pasta it adds tons of flavor to the mixture.
Salsa – Since this is a taco-flavored dish I used some salsa for added flavor. You can use mild, medium, or hot if you prefer.
Pasta – I used rotini pasta but you can use any medium-sized pasta.
Cream Cheese – To make this dish ultra cream I added just a bit of cream cheese. It melts down and thickens the mixture.
Shredded Cheese – Then you will add in some shredded cheddar cheese for added flavor! Feel free to use any cheese blend you would like.
Green Onions – This is optional but it adds a nice pop of flavor and adds color to the dish!
Variations to Recipe
Vegetarian
If you want you can leave out the meat to make a vegetarian option. Use a meat replacement, swap in with beans, or just do a meatless without changing up the ingredients.
Gluten-Free Pasta
Reach for a gluten-free pasta instead of a classic pasta for this recipe. If you are gluten free you can easily reach for your preferred pasta.
Spice It Up
Add some diced jalapeno in the recipe, or red pepper flakes. You could also use a spicy salsa instead.
Low Carb
Instead of pasta use zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or a low-carb pasta option that you would like.
Veggies – You can add in other ingredients like corn, a can of beans, or other mix-in items. This is a great way to add flavor.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any of the taco macaroni and cheese in the fridge for 2-4 days. You can reheat in the microwave or opt for heating in a skillet on the stovetop.
You can also opt to freeze the pasta mixture. Freeze the pasta for 1-2 months. Then thaw in the fridge overnight or defrost the pasta mixture.
Tips for Success
Drain Grease
Make sure that once you cook up your meat you can drain off the grease before you add in the other ingredients.
Adding Liquid
If you find the pasta is still not quite done you can always add in a bit more broth or even water to help ensure the pasta fully cooks. You don’t want the mixture to dry out too much.
Simmer
Allowing the mixture of the taco pasta to simmer is going to help thicken but also flavor the will blend nicely.
FAQs
How can I make this dish spicier/milder?
Using a hot or mild taco seasoning as well as a hot, medium, or mild salsa is going to affect the overall flavor. Feel free to play around with what you might want.
Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party or gathering?
You are more than welcome to make this the day before you plan to serve it up. Then just warm it up and serve as you would like. You might want to add a bit of broth or water to thin up the mixture if it is too thick. The pasta will soak up extra moisture.
How do I prevent the cream cheese from clumping in the sauce?
Make sure to use softened cream cheese when you go to mix it in. Start by adding small bits of it into the pan, stirring constantly until it is fully melted and creamy.
Craving More Easy Dinners?
Taco Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cups dry rotini pasta
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- Green onions for garnish optional
Instructions
- Using a large soup pot or dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium to high heat. Saute the onions until soft and translucent.
- 2.Add the ground beef, salt and pepper to the pot with the onions. Cook and crumble the beef until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the broth, salsa, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and pasta. Cover and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Cook until all the liquid has evaporated.
- Remove from heat and add cream cheese and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and everything is thoroughly combined.
- Add the remaining cheese on top and garnish with finely chopped green onion. Serve immediately, enjoy!
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