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Easy Taco Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
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Easy Taco Macaroni & Cheese Dinner

This Easy Taco Macaroni & Cheese Dinner is a creamy, cheesy one-pot meal made with seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and bold taco flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the perfect quick and comforting family dinner.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Keyword: cheesy pasta, easy dinner recipe, ground beef dinner, one pot dinner, taco mac and cheese, taco macaroni
Servings: 6
Calories: 560kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 can 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
  • Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and stir until evenly coated and fragrant.
  • Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, milk, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
  • Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until completely melted and creamy.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.
  • Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

  • Freshly shredded cheese melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Stir the pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of milk before serving.
  • Let the pasta rest for 3–5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens.
  • Customize with black beans, corn, or jalapeños for extra flavor.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 560 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Calcium: 30% DV
  • Iron: 18% DV