One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe - Kid & Adult Approved! (2024)

Home Recipes Main Dishes Pasta One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe

by Jennifer Debth

2 Comments

5 from 1 vote

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This One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese is loaded with ground beef, onions, bell peppers, garlic, taco seasoning, pasta shells, milk, broth, black beans, and THREE kinds of cheese: sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, and monterey jack cheese. Don’t forget about the fun toppings like tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded lettuce, taco sauce, and more! Kid and adult approved!

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  • Nutrition information

If you love this one pot recipe, you’ll also love: sheet pan chicken fajitas, one pot mac and cheese, and one pot mexican chicken and rice soup.

Tacos meet mac and cheese. Together, you create the best mash-up. Ever. Aka one pot taco mac and cheese. YUM.

Basically, this recipe has all your favorite taco flavors and textures all mixed together with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. Like. I’m so obsessed.

This is a PERFECT kid friendly, quick and easy week night dinner, but it’s also perfect for entertaining, because it makes a HUGE batch and it’s such a crowd pleaser . . . kids and adults alike.

Who else is ready for some cheesy deliciousness?!


One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe - Kid & Adult Approved! (2)

Ingredients in one pot taco mac and cheese:

  • Olive oil
  • Ground beef
  • Onion
  • Red bell peppers
  • Green bell peppers
  • Garlic
  • Taco seasoning
  • Medium pasta shells
  • Milk
  • Vegetable broth
  • Water
  • Black beans
  • Sharp cheddar cheese
  • Pepper jack cheese
  • Monterey jack cheese
  • Toppings: tortilla chips, taco sauce, sour cream, shredded lettuce, salsa, jalapenos, etc.

One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe - Kid & Adult Approved! (3)

How to make this baked taco mac and cheese recipe:

  1. Heat a large stockpot over medium heat.
  2. Add in oil, beef, onion, red pepper, green pepper, garlic, and 2 packets of taco seasoning.
  3. Cook, breaking up the beef as you go, until the meat is fully cooked through and the veggies are cooked to your liking, about 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in pasta shells, milk, broth, and water.
  5. Bring mixture to a simmer, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until pasta is cooked to your liking. Stir OFTEN to prevent sticking.
  6. To the pasta, add in the remaining packet of taco seasoning, black beans, and HALF the cheddar, pepper jack, and monterey jack (if you’re doing the baking version). Stir until fully combined.
  7. Optional, but recommended baking steps: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
  8. Pour cooked pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
  9. Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
  10. Serve with optional toppings and enjoy!

Tender pasta, taco ground beef, perfectly cooked veggies, loads of cheese, and super fun toppings like crunchy tortilla chips, sour cream, and taco sauce . . . all made in ONE pot . . .

I mean . . .

One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe - Kid & Adult Approved! (4). . . what’s not to love?!

– Jennifer

One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe - Kid & Adult Approved! (5)

One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese

5 from 1 vote

This One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese is loaded with ground beef, onions, bell peppers, garlic, taco seasoning, pasta shells, milk, broth, black beans, and THREE kinds of cheese: sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, and monterey jack cheese. Don't forget about the fun toppings like tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded lettuce, taco sauce, and more! Kid and adult approved!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 12 people

Equipment for this recipe

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Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 2 red pepper diced
  • 2 green pepper diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 (1.25 oz) packets taco seasoning divided *see directions below
  • 1 (16 oz) box medium pasta shells uncooked
  • 3 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 (8 oz) block sharp cheddar cheese shredded and divided
  • 1 (4 oz) block pepper jack cheese shredded and divided
  • 1 (4 oz) block monterey jack cheese shredded and divided
  • Tortilla chips, taco sauce, sour cream, shredded lettuce, salsa, jalapenos, etc. optional for topping

Recipe Video

Instructions

  • Heat a large stockpot over medium heat.

  • Add in oil, beef, onion, red pepper, green pepper, garlic, and 2 packets of taco seasoning.

  • Cook, breaking up the beef as you go, until the meat is fully cooked through and the veggies are cooked to your liking, about 10 minutes.

  • Stir in pasta shells, milk, broth, and water.

  • Bring mixture to a simmer, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until pasta is cooked to your liking. Stir OFTEN to prevent sticking.

  • To the pasta, add in the remaining packet of taco seasoning, black beans, and HALF the cheddar, pepper jack, and monterey jack. Stir until fully combined.

  • Optional baking steps: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.

  • Pour cooked pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese.

  • Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

  • Serve with optional toppings and enjoy!

  • Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!

Rate This Recipe

STORING

Room Temp:N/A

Refrigerator:4-5 Days

Reheat:If frozen, thaw in fridge then microwave to warm

*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions

Notes

Serves 8-12 people. Nutritional information is for 1/12th of the recipe.

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Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese

Amount Per Serving

Calories 544 Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 10g63%

Cholesterol 67mg22%

Sodium 1199mg52%

Potassium 944mg27%

Carbohydrates 62g21%

Fiber 9g38%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 32g64%

Vitamin A 2115IU42%

Vitamin C 46.5mg56%

Calcium 376mg38%

Iron 2.5mg14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.

Keywords: cheesy, One Pot, pasta shells

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Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Reader Interactions

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    All Comments 0 Questions 0 Reviews

  1. Scott

    Knoxville, Tennessee

    One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe - Kid & Adult Approved! (13) I made this and we really enjoyed it. One question: Do you have a version for without the pasta? Everything came together to make a great tasting mac and cheese dish, but I think it would also be great as a dip for chips. I’m a huge fan of cheese and I love this. It’s like the loaded nacho plates at Mexican Restaurants. Thank you for this and keep those recipes coming.

    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      Hi Scott! Thanks! I don’t, but I bet you could just omit the pasta, layer the ingredients, and bake as a dip!

One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe - Kid & Adult Approved! (2024)

FAQs

What to add to mac and cheese to make it better? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

How do you make Gordon Ramsay mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

Is mature or mild cheddar better for mac and cheese? ›

Tips for getting a smooth cheese sauce:

High quality aged cheddar cheese will give you a stronger taste and smoother texture. More mild and inexpensive cheddar cheeses will have less flavor and almost a grittier taste. Use fresh grated cheese.

What meat goes well with mac and cheese? ›

Mac and cheese is versatile and can be eaten as a side dish with meats like chicken, brisket or bbq ribs, or as a main dish with a vegetable side dish like an acidic green salad or simple steamed vegetables.

What not to do when making mac and cheese? ›

Here's what several experts say are the biggest mistakes when it comes to making macaroni and cheese at home and how to avoid making them.
  1. Using Only Cheddar cheese. ...
  2. Not Adding Spice and Seasoning with Salt. ...
  3. Choosing the Wrong Pasta. ...
  4. Overcooking. ...
  5. Skimping on the Toppings.
May 21, 2020

What is the most perfect cheese to use on mac & cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

How to make kid cuisine mac and cheese? ›

Microwave Oven Instructions:

Cook meal on HIGH 2 ½ minutes. Pull back film cover, stir macaroni and cheese. Replace film cover and continue cooking 30 seconds to 1½ minutes. Let stand 2 to 3 minutes in microwave.

How can I make my mac and cheese better? ›

10 ways to take mac 'n' cheese to the next level:
  1. Make the sauce with brown butter.
  2. Add evaporated milk.
  3. Choose the right cheese.
  4. Choose the perfect pasta.
  5. Double up on breadcrumbs.
  6. Boost the flavour with Marmite.
  7. A hit of heat.
  8. Extra seasoning.

Is Annie's better than Kraft? ›

The Annie's version and the Kraft version are very, very similar when it comes down to the nutrition facts. Annie's has 1 additional gram of fiber per serving, 1 less gram of fiber per serving, less iron per serving, and 1 gram more saturated fat.

Which is healthier, Kraft or Velveeta? ›

(One serving of Kraft contains 350 calories, 720 milligrams of sodium and nine grams of protein, whereas one serving of Velveeta contains 360 calories, 880 milligrams of sodium and 13 grams of protein.) “These are non-organic, they contain cow milk and are highly processed.

How unhealthy is Kraft dinner? ›

Nutritionally, one serving of Kraft Original Flavor Macaroni & Cheese Dinner is roughly equivalent to a McDonald's Cheeseburger. There's not a ton of calories there, but perhaps the biggest red flag is the sizable amount of sodium.

What is good to mix in mac and cheese? ›

Mac and Cheese Add-Ins

"I added onion powder, Parmesan cheese and a little bit of cayenne pepper," says RRL. "I always recommend using different cheeses for taste. I use white cheddar and four cheese Mexican blend together," says Angel. "I like to add diced ham and peas or diced chicken and broccoli…" says Fred Cannon.

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best mac and cheese? ›

Gordon Ramsay's mac and cheese is a simplified recipe. Just boil pasta in milk and then, add butter, cheese, salt, and pepper to it. Merge all the elements and Gordon Ramsay's mac and cheese will be ready in no time.

What compliments mac and cheese? ›

  • 1 / 25. Roasted Broccoli. Perfectly seasoned broccoli florets roasted until crisp and caramelized. ...
  • 2 / 25. Garlic Green Beans. ...
  • 3 / 25. Glazed Carrots. ...
  • 4 / 25. Easy Sautéed Spinach. ...
  • 5 / 25. Easy 10-Minute Garlic Broccolini. ...
  • 6 / 25. 5-Ingredient Kale Caesar Salad. ...
  • 7 / 25. Shaved Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 8 / 25. Spanakopita Kale Salad.

What can I add to bland mac and cheese? ›

Try adding a little more salt first, because that might fix it. If the problem was the cheese you use doesn't have much flavor, then try adding some other flavors, such has mustard or hot sauce.

What adds Flavour to mac and cheese? ›

Cayenne, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, and Dry Mustard

Simply add ½ teaspoons of cayenne, black pepper, and dry mustard with a dash of nutmeg to a mixture of 1 egg and 1 cup (0.24 l) of heavy cream. Pour this spice mixture on top of your traditional mac and cheese recipe before baking.

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