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Easy Creamy Taco Mac

A creamy, flavorful dish that combines the best of tacos and mac and cheese, ready in under 30 minutes and family-approved.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (low sodium if preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
  • chopped tomatoes
  • green onions
  • avocado
  • sour cream
  • tortilla chips

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Browning the Meat
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks (approximately 7-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
Adding Flavor
  1. Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well. Add the cream cheese and milk, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Pour in the cooked pasta and stir until everything is well mixed. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt into the initial mixture.
Finishing Touches
  1. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and add your favorite toppings like chopped tomatoes, avocado, and a sprinkle of green onions.

Notes

Make it Veggie-Friendly by adding black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers. Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a unique twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.