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taco mac recipe - Taco Mac served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Taco Mac

taco mac recipe made easy at home. A one-pan wonder that combines the zesty flavors of tacos with the comforting heartiness of mac and cheese. Ready in 45 min
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20) preferably 80/20 for flavor
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce plain
  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 4 green onions thinly sliced
Toppings
  • 1/2 cup sour cream for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir to combine. Add diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, beef broth, and uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine.
  3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly.
  5. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese, green onions, and cilantro. Serve directly from the skillet with lime wedges and sour cream on the side.