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Easy Taco Mac and Cheese

This is a simple macaroni and cheese recipe with a taco twist. There are multiple ways to mix it up and leave out or use ingredients that you do or don't have. Would love feedback on ways you have mixed it up and what tasted best! Thank you for using. When serving, you can also top the dish with lettuce, tomato, onions, and sour cream.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 46 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 1 minute
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 10 people
Calories 3860.8 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet For browning ground beef
  • 1 Large Pot For cooking pasta
  • 1 9x13 inch Casserole Dish For baking the final dish
  • 1 Colander For draining pasta
  • 1 Spatula/Wooden Spoon For stirring and cooking

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 16 ounce package ground beef
  • 2 cups salsa
  • 1 15 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 1 ounce package taco seasoning
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shell pasta
  • 2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup sliced green onions
  • 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease. Add salsa, corn, and taco seasoning. Season meat sauce with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in pasta and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain.
  • Combine the meat sauce, pasta, Colby-Jack cheese, and green onions in a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, about 25 minutes.

Notes

For a richer flavor profile, consider browning the ground beef with a touch of smoked paprika or cumin before adding the salsa and taco seasoning. Ensure the beef is well-drained to avoid a greasy final product. When combining, taste the meat sauce before mixing with pasta; adjust salt and pepper as needed. For an extra creamy texture, you could stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of milk with the Colby-Jack cheese. Don't overcook the pasta; it should be al dente as it will finish cooking in the oven. For presentation and added freshness, definitely include the suggested toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream or crema.