There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of creamy mac and cheese—unless, of course, you give it a Tex-Mex twist!

This Taco Mac and Cheese is the perfect mash-up of cheesy indulgence and bold taco flavor.

It’s fast, filling, and guaranteed to become a weeknight staple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines two favorites: tacos and mac & cheese

Just 4 main ingredients and minimal prep

Ready in under 30 minutes

Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing

Customizable with all your favorite taco toppings

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Ground beef – The hearty base that brings satisfying protein.

Velveeta mac and cheese – Creamy, melty, and easy to prepare.

Rotel tomatoes with green chilies – Adds spice, flavor, and moisture.

Taco seasoning – Classic Tex-Mex flavor in one convenient packet.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.

Drain the beef before adding seasoning to prevent watery sauce.

Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente holds up better when mixed in.

Add only 1/4 cup water with taco seasoning to avoid thinning the mixture.

Taste before serving—you may not need extra salt!

How to Make Taco Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Prepare the two boxes of Velveeta mac and cheese according to package instructions.

Set aside when finished.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the macaroni cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Add Seasoning and Tomatoes

To the beef, add taco seasoning, about 1/4 cup of water, and the can of Rotel.

Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Dump the cooked macaroni and cheese into the skillet with the taco meat mixture.

Stir everything together until evenly combined and creamy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon into bowls and enjoy warm.

Add toppings if desired!

What to Serve It With

A side of tortilla chips or nachos

Fresh salad with lime vinaigrette

Black beans or street corn

Pickled jalapeños or avocado slices

Variations / Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef

Add canned black beans or corn for extra texture

Use homemade mac and cheese for a from-scratch twist

Stir in chopped bell peppers or onions for more veggies

Make it spicy with hot Rotel or chili flakes

Storage & Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk

Not ideal for freezing (cheese texture may change)

Great for meal prep lunches!

FAQs

Can I use homemade mac and cheese instead of boxed?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s nice and creamy so it mixes well.

Is this dish spicy?
Rotel with green chilies adds mild heat.

Use original or mild versions depending on preference.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—reheat gently with a little milk to revive creaminess.

What other toppings work well?
Try sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, crushed tortilla chips, or hot sauce.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, easily! Just scale ingredients and use a larger skillet or mixing bowl.

Is this kid-friendly?
Very! You can use mild taco seasoning and mild Rotel for little ones.

Can I use a different cheese brand?
Yes—any boxed mac and cheese works, though Velveeta gives the creamiest result.

Final Thoughts

This Taco Mac and Cheese is one of those effortless dinners that hits the spot every time.

It’s warm, cheesy, and full of bold flavor—comfort food with a kick!

Whether you’re feeding kids, friends, or just yourself, this dish is always a winner.