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Easy Taco Macaroni & Cheese Dinner 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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