This cheesy and comforting Taco Macaroni and Cheese Casserole is a quick and easy one-pan dinner perfect to serve the whole family any night of the week. Make mac and cheese fresh or use leftovers in a fun and new way.
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What’s better than enjoying two of your favorite foods? Enjoying them at the same time, in one delicious meal! This Taco Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate dinnertime creation my whole family can’t get enough of. It’s the perfect mashup of creamy comfort food and classic taco night, and it’s a great way to use up leftover mac and cheese, too. This one-pan dinner comes together quickly, so it’s great for a fast and filling meal.
Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese, zesty seasoned taco meat and crunchy tortilla chips are baked to golden brown perfection for a Taco Macaroni and Cheese casserole recipe you’ll no doubt want seconds of. It’s packed with indulgent and familiar flavors both adults and kids love, and its picky eater-approved (yes, really!). Easy to make and fun for the whole family, this one will be in your dinnertime rotation on the regular.
If you like this comforting recipe, try these other quick and easy dinner ideas. We love this Creamy Chicken and Rice for the whole family, and this Crockpot Lasagna is always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses Up Leftovers: Sometimes it’s nice to reinvent leftovers, and this is the perfect way to use up leftover mac and cheese in a new, delicious way.
- Family-Friendly: With basic, familiar ingredients, this comforting casserole is loved by the whole family, and most importantly, it’s kid-approved!
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: A simple process and everything baked to perfection in just one dish, you can get this meal on the table, fast. It comes together in no time with minimal prep or clean-up.
- Simple Ingredients: This no-fuss dish is made with pantry, and fridge staples you likely already have, meaning you can throw it together at any time.
Ingredients
- Prepared Mac and Cheese: Leftovers, ready to eat from the store, a boxed version or homemade work perfectly. If you’re making your own, add in 1/2 cup of sour cream for extra richness.
- Taco Seasoning: Zesty seasoning for that signature taco flavor.
- Ground Beef: 80/20 or 90/10 both work well.
- Salsa: Use your favorite variety – spicy, medium, or mild!
- Tortilla Chips: Crushed up for extra crunch.
- Shredded Cheese: For that melty, gooey perfection. We like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
How To Make Taco Macaroni and Cheese
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the Taco Meat: Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Drain grease and stir in taco seasoning and tomatoes or salsa. Simmer briefly.
3. Combine: Mix leftover mac and cheese with the taco meat mixture until evenly combined.
4. Add Cheese: Top generously with shredded cheese.
5. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
6. Garnish & Serve: Top with tortilla chips and favorite taco toppings before serving.
Expert Tips
- Freshly Grate Cheese: This is worth it, trust me! Use freshly shredded cheese vs. pre-shredded, it melts the best and has the smoothest texture.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mac and cheese is a bit too thick, add a splash of milk before baking. It’ll slightly loosen it for the best texture.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before slicing so it can set before serving.
- Add Extra Spice: Add in sliced jalapeños for some heat and a little kick.
- Get Crispy Edges: Bake the casserole in a metal pan for the crispiest, golden-brown edges.
Variations
- Try Different Meat: Swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter casserole and slightly different flavor profile.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat all together and go vegetarian with black beans and corn.
- Add Extra Flavor: With a can of Rotel. This favorite pantry staple of mine adds an easy pack of punch.
- Make It Saucy: Mix in your favorite store-bought taco sauce for a saucier, super flavorful bake.
- Add Spice: Use pepper jack cheese for some added heat.
Storage
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat it covered, in the oven, until warmed through and the cheese is melty. Reheat in the microwave in a pinch, too.
You can also make this casserole ahead of time. Assemble everything, cover tightly, then store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake and serve. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal.
FAQs
Yes, you can. Although homemade or freshly prepared mac and cheese from the store will have the best flavor and texture.
Definitely. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. However, the texture might be slightly different and softer once thawed. (but still tasty!)
Add a splash of milk or broth to the mac and cheese, or mix in an extra handful of shredded cheese before baking. Also, covering the casserole until the last few minutes of baking will keep it from drying out.
Definitely. Add in fresh or pickled jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to add some heat.
More Easy Casserole Recipes
Taco Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Have your Mac n cheese ready to go. If you are using my recipe, there is already sour cream in it. If you are preparing from a box or your own, add in the sour cream.
- Brown your meat and add in your taco seasoning. Get a 10×10 casserole dish, grease it and place half of the Mac n cheese on the bottom, add all the meat, half of the shredded cheese and top with remaining Mac n cheese.
- Cover and bake for 15 minutes. Remove and add salsa, crushed tortillas and remaining shredded cheese and bake for another 5 minutes.