Introduction

This Easy Taco Macaroni & Cheese Dinner combines the creamy comfort of classic mac and cheese with the bold, zesty flavors of taco seasoning. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and filling with minimal effort.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with creamy pasta shells mixed with ground beef and diced tomatoes. The pasta shells are golden yellow and coated in a rich, slightly orange cream sauce. The ground beef is finely crumbled and spread evenly throughout. Red tomato pieces add small pops of color among the pasta and meat. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
2 boxes Velveeta Macaroni & Cheese
1 can diced tomatoes & green chilies
1 packet taco seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Add the taco seasoning and the can of diced tomatoes & green chilies to the skillet with the beef, then stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Velveeta Macaroni & Cheese according to the package instructions.
Step 4: Once the mac and cheese is ready, mix it into the skillet with the seasoned beef and tomatoes. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
Include black beans or corn for added texture and nutrition.
Top with crushed tortilla chips for a nice crunch before serving.

Storage

Store leftover taco macaroni & cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

A large white bowl filled with creamy pasta shells mixed with small pieces of browned ground meat and chunks of red tomatoes, the pasta shells are coated in a rich, orange-colored sauce with a smooth, slightly thick texture. The pasta appears soft and plump, with the sauce evenly covering everything, creating a warm, hearty look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a white cloth with red stripes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade taco seasoning instead of packet seasoning?

Yes, homemade taco seasoning works well and allows you to control the salt and spice levels to your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the macaroni & cheese may change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze in a sealed container and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Easy Taco Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 130 reviews

Easy Taco Macaroni & Cheese Dinner is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish, combining cheesy macaroni with seasoned ground beef and a zesty tomato and green chili mix. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that brings a spicy, hearty touch to family dinner time.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
2 boxes Velveeta Macaroni & Cheese
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes & green chilies
1 packet taco seasoning

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Prepare Macaroni & Cheese: While the beef cooks, prepare both boxes of Velveeta Macaroni & Cheese according to package instructions, typically boiling macaroni, draining it, then stirring in cheese sauce.
Add Taco Seasoning and Tomatoes: Stir the taco seasoning packet into the cooked ground beef until evenly coated. Then add the entire can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (with juice) to the beef mixture and simmer for 3-5 minutes to blend flavors.
Combine Mac & Cheese with Beef Mixture: Pour the seasoned beef and tomato mixture into the prepared macaroni and cheese and stir thoroughly to combine everything into a cohesive dish.
Heat Through and Serve: Allow the combined taco macaroni and cheese to cook together on low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it’s heated through evenly. Serve hot.

Notes

You can adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning.
For extra cheesiness, add a handful of shredded cheddar on top before serving.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily in the microwave.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free macaroni and seasoning.

Keywords: taco macaroni and cheese, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, Velveeta macaroni, quick family meal, cheesy taco pasta