When comfort food meets bold flavor, you get this Creamy Taco Mac and Cheese. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table pause mid-bite and go, “Whoa, what’s in this?” It combines the nostalgic richness of creamy mac and cheese with the zesty, seasoned magic of taco night. Whether you’re serving picky kids or hungry adults, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This dish is fast enough for a weeknight dinner but tastes like it took hours. Think of it as your one-pot ticket to flavor town, packed with ground beef, taco seasoning, melty cheese, and tender pasta, all tied together with a luxuriously creamy sauce.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Taco Mac and Cheese?

Short pasta shapes work best—elbow macaroni is classic, but shells, cavatappi, or rotini are also great options. Their curves hold onto the sauce so you get a cheesy, meaty bite every time.

Ingredients for the Creamy Taco Mac and Cheese

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk
8 oz elbow macaroni (or similar short pasta)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

How To Make the Creamy Taco Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in garlic and taco seasoning; cook for another 1 minute.

Step 2: Simmer with Pasta

Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir in uncooked pasta and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.

Step 3: Stir in the Creamy Goodness

Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sour cream until melted and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Serve

Top with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Classic

Serve hot straight from the pot or transfer it to a baking dish and top with more cheese for a melty finish under the broiler. Pair it with a fresh side salad or tortilla chips for some crunch.

Leftovers? They store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

That depends on your taco seasoning. Use mild for a family-friendly option or hot if you like heat. You can also add hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or black beans.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes, but the texture of the pasta may soften after thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! Pepper Jack, Colby, or even Velveeta can be fun twists. Just keep the total cheese quantity around 1.5 cups.

What kind of milk works best?

Whole milk gives the creamiest results, but you can use 2% or even evaporated milk.

Want More Cheesy Dinner Ideas?

If this Creamy Taco Mac and Cheese hit the spot, you’re going to love these other creamy, flavor-packed meals:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a skillet dish with a rich, buttery finish.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta that layers sun-dried tomato and spinach goodness.
Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole when you want your cheese with a spicy, satisfying twist.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a cozy, slow-cooked comfort classic.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta that’s creamy, dreamy, and full of flavor.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it when the craving hits.

Tried it? I’d love to hear how it went! Did you use spicy taco seasoning or stick to mild? Maybe you added black beans or switched up the cheese?

Leave a comment with your tips and twists. I always love seeing how you make my recipes your own. You can also find daily dishes and more inspiration on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

Creamy Taco Mac and Cheese

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Taco Mac and Cheese is a one-pot dinner that combines the cozy comfort of cheesy pasta with the bold, zesty flavor of taco seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, it’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.