Save This Mac and Cheese Taco Casserole is for those nights you crave cozy comfort but also want a little adventure on your plate. It brings together creamy cheese sauce and elbow macaroni layered with all your bold taco favorites into a cheesy, bubbling bake that is guaranteed to win over a hungry crowd. If you love a bit of crunch and gooey cheese in every bite, this one will find a loyal spot in your dinner rotation.
I came up with this recipe after a taco night left me with lots of odds and ends in the fridge and my kids still ask for taco mac night every time there is a chill in the air. There is just something irresistible about crispy chips meeting cheese sauce and beef in one dish.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: the classic base for that true mac and cheese comfort choose a brand that cooks up nice and tender but still keeps its shape
- Ground beef: brings savory flavor and taco-night richness use an 80 percent lean blend for juicy results and drain well
- Small onion: adds aroma and depth pick a fresh firm onion for best flavor
- Red bell pepper: lends sweetness and color look for glossy skins and firm flesh
- Black beans: fiber boost and creamy texture go with a good brand and rinse well to avoid extra salt
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: brings tang and a mild kick choose one with no added sugar
- Frozen corn kernels: pop of sweetness and color check for kernels that look plump and bright yellow
- Shredded cheddar cheese: gives sharp creamy melt go for block cheese you shred yourself for best melt and flavor
- Milk: creates the creamy backbone of the sauce whole milk makes the sauce rich and velvety
- Cream cheese: delivers extra creaminess and slight tang use brick style for easy mixing
- Taco seasoning: the flavor punch in every bite look for a blend without fillers and with whole spices for max flavor
- Butter: forms the roux base for the cheese sauce opt for unsalted for more control
- All purpose flour: thickens the sauce use fresh flour to prevent raw taste
- Salt and black pepper: basic seasonings pull everything together use kosher salt and freshly ground pepper if you have them
- Crushed tortilla chips for topping (optional): brings the best crunch use a robust chip that holds up to baking
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish:
- Get the oven hot to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease your 9x13 inch baking dish really well so nothing sticks later
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente usually a minute less than the package says so it stays firm after baking Drain and set aside
- Brown the Beef:
- Place your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat and crumble with a spatula Let it cook until deeply browned and fragrant about five to seven minutes Drain any excess fat so your casserole does not turn greasy
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper right into the skillet with the beef Sauté everything together for another three to four minutes until the vegetables are soft and just starting to caramelize
- Season and Add Beans Veggies:
- Sprinkle in taco seasoning then stir in the rinsed black beans drained diced tomatoes with green chilies and frozen corn Stir and cook a few more minutes until everything is heated through and smells amazing
- Build the Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan over medium heat melt the butter until foamy Whisk in the flour and let it bubble for a full minute to get rid of any raw flour taste Gradually pour in the milk whisking constantly until smooth and beginning to thicken This usually takes about two to three minutes
- Melt in Cheeses:
- Add cream cheese in small dollops and sprinkle in one and a half cups of the cheddar whisking until smooth and gooey The sauce should coat the back of a spoon
- Combine Everything:
- In your biggest mixing bowl stir together the cooked macaroni the beef and veggie mixture and every last bit of the cheese sauce Mix until all the pasta is well coated Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Transfer and Top:
- Spoon everything into your prepared baking dish Smooth the top then scatter the rest of the cheddar cheese and the crushed tortilla chips if using to cover the surface
- Bake and Rest:
- Bake in the center of your oven for twenty to twenty five minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the chips are golden brown Let the casserole cool for at least five minutes so the layers set before serving
Save There is something about crunchy chips and gooey cheddar that my family just cannot resist My favorite part is the golden edges where cheese crisps up in the oven and those bites always disappear first from the dish Every time I make it my kitchen smells like taco night and that always brings everyone rushing to the table
Storage Tips
This casserole keeps well covered in the fridge for up to four days Let cool completely before storing for the best texture For freezing portion leftovers into individual microwavable containers or wrap tightly and freeze as a whole Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and always bake uncovered to revive the topping
Ingredient Substitutions
Switch out the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want something a bit lighter For a vegetarian version go heavy on the beans or try plant based ground alternatives If you like more heat include fresh jalapeños or hot sauce in the veggie mix and you can always mix up the cheeses with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist
Serving Suggestions
Pile on the fresh toppings after baking Think tangy sour cream fresh cilantro or a big scoop of chunky salsa Serve alongside crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a full meal My kids love a few extra tortilla chips on the side for scooping up the cheesy insides
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
This dish plays on two beloved meals mac and cheese meets taco night making it perfect for both weeknights and family gatherings In the summer add fresh diced tomatoes and corn for even more color When fall rolls in it doubles as a cozy game day snack
Save Every bite is a perfect harmony of creamy cheese and taco crunch Serve hot for maximum cozy comfort