There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of creamy mac and cheese—unless, of course, you give it a Tex-Mex twist!
This Taco Mac and Cheese is the perfect mash-up of cheesy indulgence and bold taco flavor.
It’s fast, filling, and guaranteed to become a weeknight staple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Combines two favorites: tacos and mac & cheese
Just 4 main ingredients and minimal prep
Ready in under 30 minutes
Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing
Customizable with all your favorite taco toppings
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground beef – The hearty base that brings satisfying protein.
Velveeta mac and cheese – Creamy, melty, and easy to prepare.
Rotel tomatoes with green chilies – Adds spice, flavor, and moisture.
Taco seasoning – Classic Tex-Mex flavor in one convenient packet.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
Drain the beef before adding seasoning to prevent watery sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente holds up better when mixed in.
Add only 1/4 cup water with taco seasoning to avoid thinning the mixture.
Taste before serving—you may not need extra salt!
How to Make Taco Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Prepare the two boxes of Velveeta mac and cheese according to package instructions.
Set aside when finished.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the macaroni cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Tomatoes
To the beef, add taco seasoning, about 1/4 cup of water, and the can of Rotel.
Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Dump the cooked macaroni and cheese into the skillet with the taco meat mixture.
Stir everything together until evenly combined and creamy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon into bowls and enjoy warm.
Add toppings if desired!
What to Serve It With
A side of tortilla chips or nachos
Fresh salad with lime vinaigrette
Black beans or street corn
Pickled jalapeños or avocado slices
Variations / Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
Add canned black beans or corn for extra texture
Use homemade mac and cheese for a from-scratch twist
Stir in chopped bell peppers or onions for more veggies
Make it spicy with hot Rotel or chili flakes
Storage & Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk
Not ideal for freezing (cheese texture may change)
Great for meal prep lunches!
FAQs
Can I use homemade mac and cheese instead of boxed?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s nice and creamy so it mixes well.
Is this dish spicy?
Rotel with green chilies adds mild heat.
Use original or mild versions depending on preference.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—reheat gently with a little milk to revive creaminess.
What other toppings work well?
Try sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips, or hot sauce.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, easily! Just scale ingredients and use a larger skillet or mixing bowl.
Is this kid-friendly?
Very! You can use mild taco seasoning and mild Rotel for little ones.
Can I use a different cheese brand?
Yes—any boxed mac and cheese works, though Velveeta gives the creamiest result.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Mac and Cheese is one of those effortless dinners that hits the spot every time.
It’s warm, cheesy, and full of bold flavor—comfort food with a kick!
Whether you’re feeding kids, friends, or just yourself, this dish is always a winner.
