Taco Mac and Cheese
Easy Taco Mac and Cheese is a budget-friendly, family-friendly meal made with ground beef, taco seasoning and boxed mac and cheese.
AN EASY TACO INSPIRED MEAL!
This Easy Taco Mac and Cheese was a cinch to put together. Some boxed shells and cheese, taco seasoning and ground beef. Who knew it would taste so amazing. I was inspired by my Crock Pot Taco Pasta recipe.
WHAT VEGETABLES CAN I ADD TO TACO MACARONI AND CHEESE?
Broccoli would be a perfect vegetable to add to this recipe. Or, you can serve it on the side! I can tell you that my whole family really loved this one. It is definitely going into regular rotation at my house! Top with crushed tortillas, sour cream and tomatoes if you really want to take it to the next level.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)
- ground beef – you can use ground turkey or ground chicken.
- taco seasoning – use a packet of store bought taco seasoning or make a homemade taco seasoning.
- water – you will use the amount called for on the back of the taco seasoning packet.
- macaroni and cheese – use your favorite boxed Mac and cheese. I just used the shells and cheese. This will work with any 12 ounce package of macaroni and cheese that has the liquid cheese sauce.
HOW TO MAKE TACO MAC AND CHEESE
In a large pot, boil water and prepare boxed macaroni and cheese according to package directions. In a separate skillet, brown and crumble ground beef. Drain excess grease. Place meat back in skillet and add taco seasoning and water. Keep heat on medium-low and allow mixture to thicken.
When ready, combine taco meat with prepared macaroni and cheese. Stir well. This stuff is so good just like this. Just serve it with a salad and dinner is done!
I’m serving it here with some microwaveable steamed broccoli that I sprinkled with some of the shredded cheese and seasoned with salt and pepper.
If you want to make this meal really majestic – top it with with some sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes and crushed tortillas!
CRAVING MORE RECIPE?
Taco Mac and Cheese (+Video)
Ingredients
- 12 ounce box macaroni and cheese (I used the shells and cheese)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ⅔ cup water
- shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese (optional toppings)
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil water and prepare 12 ounce box macaroni and cheese according to package directions.
- In a separate skillet, brown and crumble 1 pound ground beef. Drain excess grease. Place meat back in skillet and add 1 packet taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water. Keep heat on medium-low and allow mixture to thicken.
- When ready, combine taco meat with prepared macaroni and cheese. Stir well.
- Optional: top with with some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese or even crushed tortillas for some crunch. Serve with a salad or steamed vegetables.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Originally published: March 2018
Updated & republished: February 2021
5 stars! Hubby said this was a “do over”. I used a family sized box of Kraft Deluxe to one pound of ground round. It was the perfect ratio for us. We also used all of the usual suspect taco toppings. It was delish! Thanks Brandie.
2 boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese
I’m Scottish so what kind of macaroni and cheese would I use as this looks delicious
I made this as a school project for Home Ec. It was perfect: few ingredients, simple instructions, and I got an A+ on the assignment! Thanks for boosting my GPA.
This was delicious!! It was storming out and I didn’t want to go to the store. Since I had all the ingredients for this I decided to try it. The whole family liked it!
So glad the family enjoyed it. It is certainly a family favorite around here.
This is a keeper. Easy to make and the husband liked it
I was looking for some budget friendly recipes when I came across this site…So glad I did! Just can’t say enough good words about this clever recipe.This was super fast, really easy and oh so delicious and satisfying. The only thing I did differently was to use my own homemade taco seasoning mix. Took your advice and topped our bowls with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced green onions, sour cream and salsa. It is bursting with flavors and texture. I’m making this again for SURE.Yum! Next on the list is the chicken noodle casserole. Can hardly wait! Thanks for sharing this fab recipe.
Excellent. Easy.
Good job, Brandie! You keep giving us great ideas for quick, easy, and tasty meals. Plan to make this while at the beach next week.
You’re the sweetest Judy – thank you!!
This was easy and tasty. I will make it again
Thanks so much Tammy! Love hearing that!
This meal is delicious and a kid pleaser! The only thing I do differently is I don’t mix the meat into the Mac n cheese – I let everyone mix their own at the table because each of my kids has their own preference as far as how much meat they want mixed in.
Hi Megan! What a good idea! Everyone can make their own. 🙂