One Pan Taco Mac and Cheese [Video]

One Pan Taco Mac and Cheese is made with ground beef, taco seasoning, macaroni, and cheddar cheeses. It is creamy, delicious, and LOADED with cheese! A perfect and super easy dinner ready in just 30 minutes!

We have plenty of easy one-pan dishes. They all require a few ingredients and are ready in under 30 minutes. Check out my delicious Ham and Cheese Pasta, Crispy Fried Brussels Sprouts, and Taco Tortilla Roll-Ups.

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Easy Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe

Are you looking for an easy recipe with some Tex-Mex flavor in it?! Then this delicious One-Pan Taco Mac and Cheese is the ideal combination. It is the perfect dish to experience some taco flavor combined with pasta and melted cheese. This is what I call a truly happy and comfort meal that will satisfy both kids and adults alike.

Also, this recipe is quite special because it is so rich and creamy, that we keep going back to it over and over again. You cannot go wrong with any dish that has melty cheese, hearty ground beef, and a creamy Tex-Mex inspired. When these ingredients are combined, you are sure to end up with one hearty and delicious meal.

In addition, you can prepare this cheesy dinner ahead of time to make for even easier weeknight prep. This one-pan meal is kid-friendly, quick and easy to prepare, and also budget-friendly.

Also, feel free to make a HUGE batch if you are hosting a larger crowd, or simply want to store it for later. It stores well, and it will taste even better in the next days! Give it a try and you will see why this is our favorite Tex-Mex recipe!

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How to make One Pan Taco Mac and Cheese?

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat brown the beef.
2. Next, add in the onion, garlic, jalapeno and cook for a few minutes.
3. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, the liquids, and the taco seasoning, stir well.
4. Then, add the pasta, and stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to simmer, and simmer for another 10 minutes. Check the pasta to be cooked to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. You can also add some black beans if you desire.
6. Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid is gone, turn off the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, along with your other favorite cheeses.  Stir until it is melted and creamy.
7. Top it with some chopped green onions, cilantro, or more shredded cheese, and enjoy!

How to make Taco Mac and Cheese in the oven?

If you prefer to make it a casserole-style, this is equally delicious. You will simply need to bake it instead.

1. First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease a 9 by 13 baking dish with some oil or cooking spray.
3. Then, add the cooked pasta mixture to the pan, and top it with some shredded cheese.
4. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the dish is cooked and has a nice light-brown color, and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve warm!

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What vegetables can I add to Taco Macaroni and Cheese?

This is a very versatile dish, and you can add-in pretty much any of your favorite veggies. Some of my favorite ones are broccoli, corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas. However, feel free to add what you like. It goes well pretty much with everything!

Can I make it with other meats?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other meats. You can add in-ground or cubbed chicken breasts, ham, pork, or turkey. The cooking time will not change. Also, if you are not a meat lover, feel free to skip it altogether, and double on the beans, or add some tofu as well.

How to store it?

• You can make it in advance and store the dish in the fridge for up to 3 days. Similarly, if you end up with leftovers, transfer it to an airtight container, and then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To freeze it, simply let it cool prior to freezing. Then, transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe dish, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat prior to serving.

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Recipe Tips:

• If you prefer, feel free to use only one type of cheese. Also, feel free to combine with other types as well. Some of my favorite ones to mix in are sharp cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella, and Monterey jack cheese.
• Also, since this dish has plenty of Mexican flavors, I like toping the Taco Mac and Cheese with tortilla chips, taco sauce, sour cream, shredded lettuce, salsa, and jalapenos.
• To make a larger batch, use a larger skillet, and simply double the ingredients.
• In addition, for a spicier kick, feel free to add some chopped chili peppers, or jalapenos when cooking the beef.

5 from 7 votes

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Print

One Pan Taco Mac and Cheese

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

One Pan Taco Mac and Cheese is made with ground beef, taco seasoning, macaroni, and cheddar cheeses.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Taco Mac and Cheese

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 904.08 kcal

Author: Catalina Castravet

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 jalapeno diced
• 10 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup cream or half and half
• 1 ounce package taco seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups elbow noodles
• 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Garnish:
• Cilantro
• Cheese
• Sour cream
• Crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

1. In a large skillet brown the ground beef over medium heat, drain off any grease.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno, stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and stir.
4. Add broth, cream, and taco seasoning. Stir.
5. Increase heat to medium-high until the mixture begins to simmer.
6. Stir in macaroni and reduce heat to low, cover and allow to cook for 15-20 minutes. If needed add more broth.
7. When noodles are tender stir in shredded cheddar cheese.

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts

One Pan Taco Mac and Cheese

Amount Per Serving

Calories 904.08 Calories from Fat 539

% Daily Value*

Fat 59.91g92%

Saturated Fat 31.6g198%

Cholesterol 206.52mg69%

Sodium 988.13mg43%

Potassium 911.89mg26%

Carbohydrates 50.85g17%

Fiber 3.8g16%

Sugar 7.12g8%

Protein 40.55g81%

Vitamin A 1665.41IU33%

Vitamin C 17.81mg22%

Calcium 418.97mg42%

Iron 4.59mg26%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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