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    Urban Bliss Life » All Recipes » Pasta Recipes » Easy Taco Mac and Cheese

    Published: October 3, 2023 / Updated: October 8, 2024 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Easy Taco Mac and Cheese

    16 shares
    Jump to Recipe
    bowl of taco mac and cheese with crushed tortilla chips, tomatoes, and cilantro on an orange plate with title text that reads "Taco Mac and Cheese."
    bowl of taco mac and cheese with crushed tortilla chips, tomatoes, and cilantro on an orange plate with title text that reads "Taco Mac and Cheese."

    This easy Taco Mac and Cheese recipe combines two family dinner favorites—tacos and macaroni and cheese—into one super fast, super easy, crazy delicious hearty comfort food!

    This post was originally published on July 5, 2017. It has since been updated and republished on October 8, 2024 with all new text, updated photos, and improved recipe card to help you make the best taco mac and cheese!

    bowl of taco mac and cheese with crushed tortilla chips, tomatoes, and cilantro on an orange plate.

    Our entire family is a big fan of taco night in our house. You, too? Then, I know you will love this recipe!

    Taco mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food and a great meal for busy weeknights. It's a fusion dish that combines two family favorites: ground beef tacos and creamy, cheesy mac and cheese.

    With a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious dish on the dinner table in no time!

    This is a family favorite! I love it because there are so many substitutes I can use (like ground turkey instead of ground beef). It’s basically a meat mixture, cheese sauce, and pasta. So simple, and so delicious!

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
    • 🌮 Ingredient notes
    • ✅ Step-by-step instructions
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs
    • 🥗 Serving ideas
    • 🧀 Mac and cheese competition
    • 🌮 More taco recipes
    • Taco Mac & Cheese

    ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

    bowl of taco mac and cheese with crushed tortilla chips, tomatoes, and cilantro.

    This Mexican mac and cheese recipe is one the whole family will love. Trust me: you will want to make again and again! We just adore this easy recipe in my house, and I hope you will, too!

    • Fast - This taco macaroni and cheese recipe is super fast to make in just a few simple steps. You can whip it up in 30 minutes!
    • Makes the most of leftovers - The recipe uses leftover ground turkey or ground beef taco meat that's pre-seasoned.
    • Semi from scratch - To save time and effort, the recipe also calls for prepared mac and cheese, such as Main St. Bistro Signature Macaroni & Cheese. You can also use your own homemade mac and cheese if you prefer.
    • Delicious dinner - This cheesy pasta has a mouthwatering mix of creaminess from the mac and cheese, hearty richness from the leftover taco meat, and crunchiness from the crumbled tortilla chip topping.
    • Variations - Make it your own. Use your favorite type of ground meat and add some shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack on top.

    🌮 Ingredient notes

    bowls of ingredients to make taco mac and cheese.

    Another reason to love this easy peasy recipe: it uses simple ingredients you can easily find in any grocery store.

    • Seasoned ground beef - This is the perfect recipe for using leftover taco meat! We love using our homemade taco seasoning with lean ground beef and cooking taco meat in the Instant Pot.
    • Mac and cheese - To make this recipe even faster and simpler for those busy weeknights, you can use packaged mac and cheese. Use your favorite store-bought mac and cheese that you find in the refrigerated deli section or even the freezer section. Want to use homemade mac and cheese? Try our Creamy Dairy Free Mac and Cheese or Instant Pot Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe.
    • Salsa - Use homemade salsa or your favorite store-bought salsa.
    • Tortilla chips - Crushed up corn tortilla chips add a delightful crunch to every bite!

    ✅ Step-by-step instructions

    Detailed instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. But here's a quick step-by-step guide to show you how to make this easy taco mac and cheese recipe.

    1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
    2. Crush the tortilla chips and set aside.
    3. Reheat the leftover taco meat either in a large skillet or in the microwave.
    4. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
    5. Make the packaged mac and cheese according to package instructions. Add the precooked mac and cheese into the baking dish.
    6. Add the salsa and taco meat and stir to combine.
    7. Top with a layer of the crushed tortilla chips.
    8. Bake at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the tops of the chips are slightly golden brown.
    9. Serve with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, green chiles, black beans, chives or green onions, cilantro, and more salsa, taco meat, and chips.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

    spoon holding some taco mac and cheese above a larger bowl full of taco mac and cheese.
    How do I store leftover taco mac and cheese?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days if you used leftover taco meat, and up to 5 days if you used taco meat cooked the same day.

    What are the best packaged mac and cheese for this recipe?

    I love Main St. Bistro's Mac and Cheese. You can find it in the refrigerated section next to the meat department, or in your local grocery store's deli section. But you can also use frozen mac and cheese packages. Just be sure to cook the mac and cheese first according to package directions before making it in this taco mac recipe.

    What if I prefer to make mac and cheese from scratch?

    That's awesome! You can make our dairy-free mac and cheese recipe (it's a reader favorite!), our butternut squash mac and cheese recipe, or your own favorite homemade macaroni and cheese recipe. Simply add it to the baking dish after making it and follow the directions in the recipe card.

    What other types of noodles can I use?

    Try this easy recipe with rotini or shell pasta. Then, top it with a homemade cheese sauce made from whole milk, garlic, and your favorite type of cheese.

    What else can I put on top?

    Add some fresh diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or some guacamole on top.

    🥗 Serving ideas

    small bowls of taco mac and cheese with a bowl of tortilla chips and some tomatoes on the side.

    This taco mac and cheese can be served with so many different side dishes to create an amazing meal!

    Playing off of the Mexican/Tex-Mex flavors of this dish, you could serve it with Elote Dip as a side dish on its own or with tortilla chips. Or serve these Air Fryer Corn Ribs as a side dish.

    It's also delicious served with a bright green salad, like this SW BBQ Chicken Salad.

    If you'd like to serve some dinner rolls with it, this recipe for Pan de Sal makes fluffy dinner rolls.

    🧀 Mac and cheese competition

    small bowls of taco mac and cheese with a bowl of tortilla chips and some tomatoes on the side.

    This delicious taco mac and cheese recipe actually got me a spot in the Main St. Bistro Signature Mac & Cheese recipe contest! While I've been a judge in many food and wine competitions, this was my first time competing.

    Our recipe guidelines included:

    • We could only use three mix-in ingredients and two garnishes.
    • All ingredients had to be fresh with no artificial colors or additives.
    • The dish had to serve at least four people.
    • From start to finish, the recipe had to be done within 30 minutes max.

    I had a taste testing session at my house with two friends and their four kids. My taste testers all really enjoyed the recipe! Spoons kept going back in for more. Hooray! After giving me their preferences for the different versions of the recipe, I finalized my recipe and prepped for the competition.

    Marlynn Jayme Schotland in a Reser's apron with ingredients to make taco mac and cheese and a sign with her name and UrbanBlissLife.com.

    The competition was so much fun! While I didn't win the grand prize, I was honored to make it to the competition and loved sharing this recipe with so many people. And now, I am extra honored and excited to be sharing this recipe with all of you, too!

    Enjoy!

    🌮 More taco recipes

    Here are some more delicious dinner recipes that you can make with taco meat.

    • instant pot taco meat
      Instant Pot Taco Meat
    • taco dip with ground beef, tomatoes, and cilantro in a large white bowl.
      Easy Taco Dip with Ground Beef
    • Taco Pasta with scoop of sour cream and chopped parsley on a red and white checkered tablecloth.
      Easy Taco Pasta recipe
    • homemade taco pizza on a white plate and blue background.
      Taco Pizza

    Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!

    bowl of taco mac and cheese with crushed tortilla chips, tomatoes, and cilantro on an orange plate.

    Taco Mac & Cheese

    5 from 1 vote
    Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
    Total Time: 25 minutes mins
    Recipe by Marlynn Schotland
    This Taco Mac and Cheese combines two family favorites - tacos and mac & cheese - into one ultimate comfort food!
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 447kcal
    PRINT PIN RATE 🤍 SAVESaved!

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup tortilla chips
    • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ pound leftover taco meat
    • 12 ounces prepared mac and cheese homemade or store-bought
    • 1 cup salsa
    • kosher salt and pepper to taste
    • Optional Garnish: top with additional salsa, taco meat crumbles, sliced green onions

    Instructions

    • Pre-heat oven to 400°F degrees.
    • Place tortilla chips into a large plastic zip bag and crush into crumbles. Set aside.
    • In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add leftover taco meat to skillet and stir to warm up until meat is thoroughly heated up, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Grease a 9” x 13” glass baking dish or casserole dish with butter.
    • Add the prepared mac & cheese to the baking dish. Mix in the ground turkey and salsa until ingredients are well blended. Smooth over the top so that it is flat and even.
    • Evenly sprinkle a generous layer of crushed tortilla chips over the mac and cheese mixture.
    • Bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, just until the tortilla chip layer has a slightly darkened golden color.
    • While mac and cheese is baking, chop up any items you wish to use as garnish, such as green onions or cilantro.
    • When mac and cheese is done, remove from oven and add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions, plus additional salsa, and crumbled tortilla chips as desired.
    • Serve and enjoy immediately.

    Notes

    Makes approximately 4-6 servings
    Storage: store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. 
    Tried this recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment! Then snap a pic of your dish and share it on social media. Tag @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 447kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 1210mg | Potassium: 584mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 313IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 177mg | Iron: 4mg

    Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says

        July 08, 2017 at 8:07 am

        That's so cool that you got to participate in the contest! The mac and cheese looks amazing. I would never have considered mixing those two flavors, but it really works!

        Reply
      2. Ashley says

        July 06, 2017 at 4:43 pm

        YUM!!! Mac & Cheese is definitely one of my guilty pleasures! What a unique and tasty spin! Can't wait to give this a try!

        Reply
      3. Leah says

        July 05, 2017 at 10:27 pm

        I love how easy and quick this is! Perfect for that weeknight meal!

        Reply
      4. Krysten says

        July 05, 2017 at 7:38 pm

        Taco mac and cheese?? I can't even fathom how good that that tastes. I might need to try this recipe out!

        Reply
      5. Lindsay Ingalls says

        July 05, 2017 at 7:09 pm

        What a fun contest to participate in!

        Reply
      6. Theresa says

        July 05, 2017 at 5:02 pm

        What a wonderful recipe! I love Mac and Cheese - we don't have it here in Europe and I get so excited whenever I am in the US!
        Congratulations!
        xx from Austria, Theresa

        Reply
      7. Erin (Platings and Pairings) says

        July 05, 2017 at 4:56 pm

        I can't wait to watch the competition and see which of you wonderful ladies took home the prize!!! Loving your recipe though Marlynn - You can't go wrong when you combine tacos + Mac n Cheese!

        Reply
      8. Create/Enjoy says

        July 05, 2017 at 3:48 pm

        That is so creative! Way to go, coming up with a quick recipe and showing it off on TV! You are awesome!

        Reply
      9. Christy says

        July 05, 2017 at 1:33 pm

        Congrats! This looks delicious! love a quick and easy meal!

        Reply
      10. Jenny says

        July 05, 2017 at 1:04 pm

        What an honor, congrats on the invite! The Mac N Cheese looks great!

        Reply
      11. Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says

        July 05, 2017 at 12:21 pm

        What a fun twist on mac and cheese! And what a fun competition to participate in.

        Reply
      12. Beth says

        July 05, 2017 at 12:19 pm

        Congratulations! How fun for you! You must have won with this mac and cheese! I mean tacos and mac n cheese? How could you not?

        Reply
      13. Lisa | Garlic & Zest says

        July 05, 2017 at 11:59 am

        This looks like such a fun experience -- I can't wait to hear the results! In the meantime, I think I'll keep myself busy with a bowl or two of this amazing mac!

        Reply
      14. Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says

        July 05, 2017 at 11:55 am

        I vowed not to eat Mac n Cheese for the rest of the year, after the terrible binge in May! Looks like I'm falling off the wagon this week! Ugh!

        Reply
      15. Janette | Culinary Ginger says

        July 05, 2017 at 11:36 am

        This looks like a delicious fusion of dishes. and Main St mac and cheese looks delicious

        Reply
      16. Gisella says

        July 05, 2017 at 7:34 am

        Congratulations on the contest invite! Your dish looks scrumptious.

        Really hope you win (or won?)! ^_^

        Reply
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      Hi! If you're looking for easy, fast, delicious family-friendly recipes, wine pairings, and travel tips, you've come to the right place! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

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