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You are here: Home / Recipes / No Brainer Taco Macaroni

Dinner Pasta and Noodles

No Brainer Taco Macaroni

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!

This simple recipe is just right when you need a VERY easy family-friendly dinner!
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.

This simple recipe is just right when you need a VERY easy family-friendly 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.

This simple recipe is just right when you need a VERY easy family-friendly dinner!

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.

Print Recipe
No Brainer Taco Macaroni
This simple recipe is just right when you need a VERY easy family-friendly dinner!
Votes: 22
Rating: 3.91
You:
Rate this recipe!
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
-5
Ingredients
  • 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
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
-5
Ingredients
  • 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
This simple recipe is just right when you need a VERY easy family-friendly dinner!
Votes: 22
Rating: 3.91
You:
Rate this recipe!
Instructions
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Reduce heat to low, and stir in cheese packet and a little milk to your desired consistency. Turn off heat and serve.
Recipe Notes

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!

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41 Comments

Comments

  1. Martin Screlli says

    July 26, 2020 at 6:33 pm

    This has got to Kobe beef right?

    Reply
  2. Steph says

    June 4, 2020 at 8:32 pm

    I LOVE that you’ve called this ‘no brainer’. Honestly… I need more ‘no brainer’ recipes in my life! thankyou!

    Reply
  3. Lara Lyon says

    January 27, 2020 at 7:28 pm

    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!

    Reply
  4. Keith moore says

    May 29, 2019 at 6:48 pm

    I make this often but add in a can of fiesta nacho cheese soup

    Reply
    • Nikki says

      September 20, 2019 at 2:20 pm

      Hi! Do you use the can of soup in place of anything or just added to the recipe?

      Reply
  5. paige says

    November 29, 2018 at 5:39 pm

    i was wondering if i used two boxes of macaroni do i just double the recipe measurements ?

    Reply
  6. Markita says

    September 28, 2017 at 5:59 pm

    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!!!

    Reply
  7. Liz says

    December 28, 2015 at 5:11 pm

    Thank you Andi – Happy New Year

    Reply
  8. Emmett nlasier says

    September 24, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    on your taco macaroni do you drain the Greece off I will but it don’t say

    Reply
    • Andi Gleeson says

      September 27, 2015 at 11:21 am

      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!

      Reply
  9. Dan says

    November 13, 2014 at 10:01 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Andi says

      November 13, 2014 at 11:40 am

      So glad you guys liked it, and the tomatoes and avocado on top sound so good! Thanks for letting me know, Dan :)

      Reply
  10. Dan says

    October 23, 2014 at 12:13 pm

    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??

    Reply
    • Andi says

      October 23, 2014 at 12:17 pm

      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!

      Reply
  11. Vivian Honda says

    October 12, 2014 at 9:54 pm

    Make something very similar. My grandson calls it tacaroni. He loves it.

    Reply
    • Andi says

      October 13, 2014 at 8:42 pm

      You win on the cute name, Vivian! :)

      Reply
  12. Tabitha says

    October 6, 2014 at 9:07 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Andi says

      October 7, 2014 at 12:08 pm

      Thanks, Tabitha! I hope you like it too.

      Reply
  13. Lavende & Lemonade says

    October 6, 2014 at 10:42 am

    I’d need to mix in some spinach…I’m a veggie addict…but this would go great together!

    Reply
    • Andi says

      October 7, 2014 at 12:18 pm

      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!

      Reply
  14. Kippy says

    October 5, 2014 at 6:35 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Andi says

      October 7, 2014 at 12:26 pm

      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 ;)

      Reply
  15. Alexandra Young says

    October 5, 2014 at 12:30 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Andi says

      October 8, 2014 at 9:41 am

      Thanks, Alexandra. Maybe you can make it for her :)

      Reply
  16. Laura @ Hayestone says

    October 5, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    If it’s picky eater approved, I’m sold! Looks like a great ‘comfort’ meal :-)

    Reply
    • Andi says

      October 7, 2014 at 12:30 pm

      Thanks, Laura! If my kids will eat I bet almost any would!

      Reply
  17. Joni says

    October 5, 2014 at 12:10 pm

    Weeknights are all about quick and easy at my house as well :) Kid approved is always a bonus!

    Reply
    • Andi says

      October 8, 2014 at 9:41 am

      Thanks, Joni! I hope you get a chance to try this one at your house.

      Reply
  18. Candace says

    October 5, 2014 at 11:39 am

    We do something similar to this when we just want an easy night. So yummy! Comfort food as it’s best.

    Reply
    • Andi says

      October 7, 2014 at 12:33 pm

      Thanks, Candace! You can’t beat a super easy dinner sometimes.

      Reply
  19. jo @ cheneycraft.blogspot.com says

    October 5, 2014 at 11:06 am

    Mac and cheese was tea choice for our youngest this week when we were menu planning . Love this twist. We add leeks and bacon.

    Reply
    • Andi says

      October 7, 2014 at 12:32 pm

      That sounds so good, Jo! You can never go wrong with bacon.

      Reply
  20. Joanna says

    October 4, 2014 at 7:00 pm

    Me too, I usually cook from scratch, but sometimes we just need fast and easy dinner ! This one is perfect :)

    Reply
    • Andi says

      October 4, 2014 at 10:03 pm

      Thank you, Joanna!

      Reply
  21. Brenda Young says

    October 4, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    Quick n easy for one of those days, and what kid could turn down Mac n cheese?

    Reply
    • Andi says

      October 4, 2014 at 10:04 pm

      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 :)

      Reply
  22. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

    October 1, 2014 at 5:52 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Andi says

      October 3, 2014 at 10:45 pm

      You are too sweet, Thalia. Thank you!

      Reply
  23. [email protected] says

    September 30, 2014 at 11:55 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Andi says

      September 30, 2014 at 4:34 pm

      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 ;)

      Reply

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