Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe
My daughter adores mac and cheese. And she adores Mexican food and tacos. Therefore, this Mexican mac and cheese was the most perfect food marriage ever for her. This taco mac n cheese recipe is easy, ready in 30 minutes, super creamy, ultra cheesy, and is flavored with taco seasoning, black beans, green onions, tomatoes, and cilantro for a taco and Mexican-inspired twist on classic mac and cheese. I used extra sharp cheddar in this Mexican mac and cheese because it has the most flavor bang for the buck compared to regular cheddar. Bonus, there’s no processed cheese in a block or powdered cheese in sight here! Three of the four cups (about 12 of the 16 ounces) of cheese are stirred into the macaroni, and the final cup is sprinkled on top. Then, I pop the skillet under the broiler for 2 minutes. You can skip broiling if you want, and just stir all 4 cups of cheese into the macaroni mixture. But I love the texture and flavor of baked or broiled cheese. This is comfort food on a platter despite it being vegetarian. It’s the perfect recipe to make on hectic weeknights when you’re craving something warm and hearty!
What’s in Taco Mac and Cheese?
To make this skillet mac and cheese, you’ll need:
Small pasta shells – Medium shells, small elbow, rotini, bowtie, etc. may be substituted Unsalted butter All-purpose flour Unsweetened cashew milk – Feel free to use a milk of choice, but make sure it’s something thicker like 2% or whole. Do not use skim milk Taco seasoning Extra sharp cheddar cheese – For the best results, buy a block of cheddar and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting well Black beans Green onions Roma tomatoes Fresh cilantro
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make Taco Mac and Cheese
This easy taco mac and cheese is quick and easy to make with just one pot and a large skillet! Here’s an overview of the cooking process:
More Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipes:
Easy 30-Minute Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese — Classic mac and cheese the whole family will love! The creamy, cheesy comfort food you crave! So much better than anything out of a box and just as easy! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Macaroni and Cheese Baked Cheese Balls – A perfect use for leftover macaroni! Bread it, bake it, devour it! Easy 30-Minute Stovetop Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese — The pumpkin flavor is subtle compared to the super cheesy and creamy factor! The pumpkin boosts the cheesiness to a whole new level everyone loves! One-Skillet Tex Mex Beef Mac & Cheese – An EASY recipe that’s made in ONE skillet so you don’t have to cook the pasta separately! Loaded with ground beef, peppers, tomatoes, cheese, and cilantro! A family FAVORITE that feeds a crowd! 20-Minute Stovetop White Cheddar Mac and Cheese – Almost as FAST and EASY as using a box but tastes a million times BETTER! So creamy, ridiculously cheesy, and the extra sharp white cheddar cheese gives this mac and cheese so much FLAVOR!
