Description
Tex-Mex Taco Mac & Cheese Bake is a bold, cheesy, crowd-pleasing casserole that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with seasoned taco beef, zesty spices, and a crunchy tortilla topping. It’s the perfect mashup of comfort food and Tex-Mex flavor — ideal for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- For the Taco Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade blend)
- ½ cup water
- For the Mac & Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Bake:
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or Fritos
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Taco Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain grease, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pot, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth. Cook until thickened, then stir in cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until melted.
- Stir cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
- Assemble: Add cooked taco beef and salsa to the mac & cheese and mix until evenly combined.
- Spread mixture into the baking dish and top with Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and melted.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips, green onions, and cilantro.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add diced jalapeños or green chiles for extra heat.
- Top with sour cream, avocado, or pico de gallo for added flair.
- Great make-ahead dish: assemble, cover, and refrigerate; bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex