Taco Mac & Cheese

By Lauren MiyashiroUpdated: Jan 13, 2025

Approved by the Delish Test Kitchen

3 Ratings

mac and cheese topped with pico de gallo

Yields:

2 serving(s)

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

25 mins

Cal/Serv:

1075

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preview for This Taco Mac & Cheese Is A Tex-Mex Dream

If you always reach for boxed mac & cheese when you need a quick and easy dinner—I feel you. But, what if I told you that with a few simple ingredients, you can upgrade your basic box of mac & cheese into something incredible. In this Tex-Mex-inspired hack, I added taco seasoning, milk, and butter to the boxed cheese packet, piled on even more cheese to the pasta, then sprinkled in fresh pico de gallo. The result is an extra flavorful mac that feels (and tastes!) like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

I love this mac with shredded cheddar, but any melty cheese you have on hand will work just fine. If you’re looking for some protein, some ground beef or chorizo would work beautifully here. Tip: Instead of running out to the store, make our homemade taco seasoning and use it on countless weeknight dinners.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

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Ingredients

Directions

1. Step 1 Fill a medium pot with water and add a big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain into a colander.
2. Step 2In the same pot over medium-low heat, add milk and butter and whisk until butter is melted. Whisk in powdered cheese packet and taco seasoning. Remove from heat, add pasta and shredded cheese, and stir with a wooden spoon until cheese has melted. Stir in pico de gallo.
3. Step 3Top mac and cheese with more pico de gallo and green onions before serving.