Name: Taco Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 12 ounces macaroni and cheese ((2 6-ounce boxes) plus milk, butter, and water as required by package instructions)); 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel); 1 ounce taco seasoning; ¼ cup water

By: Jill Mills Updated: May 6, 2026

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Taco Mac and Cheese turns boxed mac and cheese, ground beef, and Rotel into a quick, easy, and cheesy dinner that the entire family will love. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is made for busy weeknights!

This taco mac and cheese has recently become a huge family favorite. Taco-anything is usually a hit, whether it’s actual ground beef tacos or taco stuffed shells, but it’s been a while since something has been as loved as this recipe.

It has similar vibes to my cheesy taco spaghetti but the cheesiness comes from the boxed mac and cheese instead of Velveeta, making it even easier. Rotel adds some veggies and extra flavor, and, of course, seasoned ground beef brings in the taco element. Who knew it would be so easy to transform basic boxed mac and cheese into a dinner everyone loves?! This taco mac and cheese recipe is definitely one to keep handy for those extra busy seasons of life.

Why This Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe Is A Family Favorite

Starts with boxed mac & cheese. I love homemade mac and cheese as much as anyone and that’s typically what I make. But sometimes, busy moms just need a shortcut. Using boxed mac and cheese keeps this recipe cheaper, easier, and faster.
Only a few ingredients. This taco mac and cheese packs in crazy amounts of flavor with less than a handful of ingredients. All you need is ground beef, boxes of mac and cheese (and the ingredients listed), Rotel, and taco seasoning. The list is short and sweet, without sacrificing flavor.
Ready in 30 minutes. Any dinner that can be on the table in 30 minutes is a win in my book. The beef can be cooked and seasoned while waiting for the water to boil and the macaroni to cook. By the time the beef is ready, so is the mac and cheese. Combine the two and viola!, dinner is ready.
Kid-approved. Most kids love tacos and mac and cheese, which means they go crazy over this taco mac and cheese. (Or, mine did, at least.) I’ve yet to meet a kid who doesn’t love this but it’s flavorful enough that the adults can get on board too.

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make taco mac and cheese

What You’ll Need

This easy dinner is made with just 4 ingredients. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need. The exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Ground beef – I recommend at least 80% lean to avoid excess grease. Ground turkey or chicken works too.
Macaroni and cheese – Use your favorite boxed macaroni and cheese. I used Annie’s in the shell shape. You’ll also need the ingredients on the box – usually milk, butter, and water.
Rotel – Or store brand diced tomatoes and green chilies. Use mild, medium, or spicy based on your preferences.
Taco seasoning – I like to use my homemade taco seasoning, but a packet from the store works too.

How To Make Taco Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese dinner is so quick and easy to make, partially because the beef and macaroni can be cooked at the same time. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the printable instructions.

Taco seasoning added to browned ground beef in a skillet

Cook the mac and cheese. Prepare the mac and cheese according to the package instructions, including adding the milk, butter, and cheese packet.
Cook the beef. While the macaroni boils, cook the ground beef over medium heat, until browned and fully cooked. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Season the beef. Stir in the taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring to evenly distribute the seasoning.

Seasoned ground beef, Rotel, and mac and cheese in a skillet

Overhead view of a skillet of taco mac and cheese

Add the Rotel. Stir the can of Rotel (undrained) into the beef mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Add the mac and cheese. Stir the prepared macaroni and cheese into the beef mixture. Stir until everything is evenly combined and heated.
Enjoy. Serve immediately, garnished with your favorite taco toppings if desired.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Here are a few ways to customize this taco mac and cheese recipe, as well as some key tips to keep in mind.

Adjust the heat level. If you want a spicier dish, use medium or hot Rotel. You can also use a spicy taco seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce.
Do not drain the Rotel. Dump the entire can of diced tomatoes and green chilies into the beef, juice and all. Not only does it add flavor, but it prevents the dish from drying out.
Try it with homemade mac and cheese. I love the ease of using boxed mac and cheese to make this recipe, but if you want to go the extra mile and start with homemade mac and cheese, go for it. It would be super yummy with stovetop mac and cheese.
Add veggies or beans. For extra flavor, stir in a cup of black beans, corn, or sautéed bell peppers.
Make it cheesier. For extra cheesy taco mac and cheese, mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese before serving.

A fork in a plate of taco mac and cheese

Serving Suggestions

A plate of this taco mac and cheese makes a super satisfying dinner, with no need for a side dish. For extra flair and flavor, we do sometimes add taco toppings on top. Think chopped cilantro, pico de gallo, diced avocado, sliced jalapenos, or a dollop of sour cream.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

Fridge: Store leftover taco mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

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