This Taco Macaroni is beyond easy for nights when you want to eat something tasty for dinner but are extra low on time and energy. It’s picky eater approved!
You know I usually make recipes mostly from scratch around here. Occasionally I might sneak in a can of soup or packet of seasoning mix, but I mostly stick to unprocessed ingredients. There are times though when we all need a family-friendly meal that is beyond easy. On those nights, there is no shame in grabbing that box of macaroni and cheese and calling it dinner.
Last week, in the span of ten days, my husband fell and broke his jaw and hand, my laptop died, and then my 3-year-old fell and hit HIS mouth on concrete requiring an emergency trip to the dentist. I am not even joking.
When you have a dark cloud hanging over your head, you just want to feed your family (and yourself!) something that everyone will happily eat that takes little effort. That’s how this super simple Taco Macaroni was born.
My 7-year-old is not great at trying new things. He’s had more mac and cheese out of a box than I’d care to admit, but it doesn’t usually have meat and taco seasoning mixed in. He does love taco meat, but I knew I might be pressing my luck by combining two dishes he likes into one. Not only did he eat it, he proclaimed that it was the best thing he ever had AND I’m the best cook in the world. While this is a little depressing that this is what he calls culinary genius, it does go to show that even the pickiest eaters will likely enjoy this one.
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings |
-5
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- 1 pound ground beef or turkey 20 ounces is fine too
- 1 oz. packet reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix
- 6 oz. box macaroni and cheese I used gluten free
- 2 c. water
- 2-3 tbsp. milk
Ingredients
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- Spray a large skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium-high heat. Add ground meat, and sprinkle taco seasoning over the top. Stir and cook until meat is heated through, crumbling it as much as possible.
- Stir in uncooked macaroni (not the cheese packet yet!) and 2 c. water. Bring to a simmer, and cook for the recommended time on the macaroni package. Most liquid should be absorbed at this point. If the pasta looks dry before cooking is complete, add about 1/4 c. water at a time as needed.
- Reduce heat to low, and stir in cheese packet and a little milk to your desired consistency. Turn off heat and serve.
This would also be great with a can of diced tomatoes (drained) or a cup of frozen peas added with the macaroni and water. I kept it simple so my kids would eat it!
You’ll also love these super duper easy dinner ideas!
Martin Screlli says
This has got to Kobe beef right?
Steph says
I LOVE that you’ve called this ‘no brainer’. Honestly… I need more ‘no brainer’ recipes in my life! thankyou!
Lara Lyon says
The picture looks like the original kraft mac and cheese. I used the thick and creamy version with the same results. I was worried about the taco seasoning, it got really thick while the noodles were cooking. But I added the juice from the drained can of tomatoes and green chiles and it turned out fantastic! My husband loves quick one skillet meals since he likes to spend the evening with me NOT being in the kitchen so much. He really likes this one! Thanks for posting this!
Keith moore says
I make this often but add in a can of fiesta nacho cheese soup
Nikki says
Hi! Do you use the can of soup in place of anything or just added to the recipe?
paige says
i was wondering if i used two boxes of macaroni do i just double the recipe measurements ?
Markita says
OMG, I love this! I made some minor alterations as we didn’t have a box of mac-n-cheese available and it was so amazing! Thank you for posting this!!!
Liz says
Thank you Andi – Happy New Year
Emmett nlasier says
on your taco macaroni do you drain the Greece off I will but it don’t say
Andi Gleeson says
Hi, Emmett! I used lean ground turkey so didn’t have much to drain off. If you use a different meat and have a good bit of grease, then yes I would drain it. Thanks for asking!
Dan says
Hi – I just wanted to let you know I did make this for the boys that night and they loved it. Super easy and delicious. We added diced tomatoes and avocado to the top. This has definitely been added to the line up!
Andi says
So glad you guys liked it, and the tomatoes and avocado on top sound so good! Thanks for letting me know, Dan :)
Dan says
Sounds like our week – poison ivy and a broken finger with our older son. Younger son has been sick and clocked his head. We will totally be making this tonight. Everything’s right in the fridge. But, ouch, a broken jaw??
Andi says
Oh man you are having a hard time, Dan! Fortunately, my husband is on the mend now, but it sounds like our bad luck moved your way. Hope your boys feel better soon and enjoy the macaroni!
Vivian Honda says
Make something very similar. My grandson calls it tacaroni. He loves it.
Andi says
You win on the cute name, Vivian! :)
Tabitha says
Oh wow yum, this looks so easy and good. I have ground beef out for dinner tomorrow night, I think I’ll be making this! Love the few ingredient foods.
Andi says
Thanks, Tabitha! I hope you like it too.
Lavende & Lemonade says
I’d need to mix in some spinach…I’m a veggie addict…but this would go great together!
Andi says
Yes, spinach would be great, or I liked it with peas mixed in too. I had to serve it like this with salad on the side to get my kids to eat it!
Kippy says
That looks so easy! I too use gluten free macaroni, and I’m not gluten intolerant! It’s good stuff! I will try this…easy night dinner!
Andi says
Thanks, Kippy! I usually still make regular mac and cheese for my kids because it keeps me from finishing theirs before I even eat my dinner. That’s about the only way I have lost weight since giving up wheat – I can’t finish my kids food ;)
Alexandra Young says
I definitely understand this! We try to cut out as many preservatives as possible but sometimes it’s just easier and more time efficient. My sister who is 11 would love this dish!
Andi says
Thanks, Alexandra. Maybe you can make it for her :)
Laura @ Hayestone says
If it’s picky eater approved, I’m sold! Looks like a great ‘comfort’ meal :-)
Andi says
Thanks, Laura! If my kids will eat I bet almost any would!
Joni says
Weeknights are all about quick and easy at my house as well :) Kid approved is always a bonus!
Andi says
Thanks, Joni! I hope you get a chance to try this one at your house.
Candace says
We do something similar to this when we just want an easy night. So yummy! Comfort food as it’s best.
Andi says
Thanks, Candace! You can’t beat a super easy dinner sometimes.
jo @ cheneycraft.blogspot.com says
Mac and cheese was tea choice for our youngest this week when we were menu planning . Love this twist. We add leeks and bacon.
Andi says
That sounds so good, Jo! You can never go wrong with bacon.
Joanna says
Me too, I usually cook from scratch, but sometimes we just need fast and easy dinner ! This one is perfect :)
Andi says
Thank you, Joanna!
Brenda Young says
Quick n easy for one of those days, and what kid could turn down Mac n cheese?
Andi says
Yes, some days it’s gotta be quick or else everyone will be eating PB&J (not that there is anything wrong with that)! Thanks for stopping by, Brenda :)
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I totally am obsessed with anything mac and cheese related.. so this taco version is definitely a recipe that I will be recreating. Thanks Andi for the awesome recipe, I have never seen mac and cheese look this good before!
Andi says
You are too sweet, Thalia. Thank you!
[email protected] says
I hear you — sometimes you gotta just use a packet of something to get a meal out quicker. I love the sound of this taco mac, too! What a great idea — that would be an instant hit here!
Andi says
Thanks for the support, Marcie! I added peas to the leftovers and liked that even more, but I was afraid of adding anything green and my boys refusing it ;)