Creamy Taco Mac: A Quick, Cheesy Twist on Taco Night!

Taco Mac Recipe

With my teen, Jace, gone in Phoenix for the next week and a half, Kevin and I cooked together last night. This taco pasta recipe combines the savory flavors of tacos with creamy pasta and hearty beef, creating a quick, comforting, and delicious dish the whole family will love.

If you’re craving something comforting but want a fun twist on Taco Tuesday, this Taco Mac recipe will do the trick.

I have the cutest/funniest story. I sent Kevin to the store to get macaroni pasta shells for dinner. He comes back with a box of macaroni and cheese. He ended up going back for the right pasta but I guess I should have been more specific :)

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Serving size: 4 servings
• Total cook time: Less than 15 minutes
• Family friendly: Yes! Even though my son wasn't here to try it, he loves tacos and loves pasta so I know he would have loved it like my fiancé and I did!
• Serving suggestions: Serve with a side salad or Spanish rice, top with pepper, and enjoy with tortilla chips. For extra flavor, pair it with Mexican street corn and guacamole for a refreshing twist. The zesty tang of Mexican street corn adds a perfect contrast to the creamy richness of the taco mac. Guacamole adds a cool, fresh element that balances the spices. Top with extra cheese, sour cream, or your favorite hot sauce for added flavor.

Why You Will Love This Easy Taco Mac Recipe

This super easy recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It’s creamy, cheesy, taco-inspired goodness that's hearty and comforting, plus it's customizable to fit your family's tastes.

What Makes This Recipe Different?

For my family who likes some spice, I combined three cheeses instead of two to make this extra creamy, and to add a little kick with the pepper jack. If you like a little spice, the pepper jack cheese gives this dish an extra layer of flavor and a subtle heat, transforming the typical taco filling into something truly crave-worthy.

This is a new twist on Taco Tuesdays. If you are looking for something new to have in place of your tacos, this is it. You can dip tortilla chips in it or eat it by itself. It's meaty and has flavors of your traditional taco - taco seasoning, meat, seasonings, and cheeses - but takes it to a whole new level by adding a tender pasta.

This recipe is extremely adaptable and ingredients can be swapped out to adapt to your liking.

Inspiration

This recipe was inspired by a taco mac idea I saw online, but I made a few adjustments based on what my family loves. We swapped out the green chilies for extra flavor with pepper jack cheese, and adjusted the beef and pasta quantities.

If You Enjoy Pasta Recipes, You May Also Like

• TikTok Ramen
• Easy Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

If You Want to Swap for Regular Tacos, Try These

• Easy Baked Chicken Tacos
• Mini Baked Chicken Tacos
• Air Fryer Smash Burger Tacos

How to Store and Reheat Taco Mac

Store Taco Mac in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For the best results, let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave for 2–3 minutes or until warmed through. Top with your favorite toppings or dip with tortilla chips for extra crunch!

Adjust to Your Liking and Dietary Needs

• For a lighter version, swap the beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based protein
• Top with green onions (for a fresh, mild bite) or cilantro (for a burst of freshness)
• Add different cheeses based on your liking
• We used garlic powder and onion powder, but feel free to add minced garlic and diced onion instead
• We didn’t add green chilies, but if you want a spicier flavor, you can add them in or use red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper

Ingredients for Taco Mac

*This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you purchase using any of my links. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

• 1/2 pound ground beef (we used 85/15)
• 8 oz macaroni large shell pasta (or Corn & Rice Organic Pasta)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 oz pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 can diced tomatoes (we didn't drain)
• Pepper to taste

How to Make Creamy Taco Mac (Step-by-Step)

✓ Step #1: Cook macaroni – Cook macaroni pasta according to package and drain.

✓ Step #2: Brown the beef – In a skillet, let the ground beef brown about 5–7 minutes, add the garlic powder and onion powder and stir.

✓ Step #3: Add seasonings and tomatoes – Add the taco seasoning with water (just read the directions on the packet) and diced tomatoes. Set aside.

✓ Step #4: Make the sauce – Lower the heat and add the cooked macaroni, milk and cheeses to the skillet.

✓ Step #5: Stir and serve – Stir until the cheeses are melted and well combined, about 5 minutes. Top with your favorite toppings and serve warm.

What Did You Think About This Easy Taco Mac?

I'd love to hear how you customized this cheesy taco mac! Let me know your favorite additions in the comments below.

How You Can Support Savvy with Abbie

✓ Pin this recipe on Pinterest
✓ Comment below and let me know if you made this recipe
✓ Review/rate the recipe below so others can see what you thought of it
✓ Follow this blog for more delicious pasta recipes