Name: Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lbs. lean ground beef (96/4); 1 tbsp. chili powder; 1.5 tbsp. ground cumin; 1 tsp. salt; 1 tsp. onion powder; 1 tsp. garlic powder; 2 tsp. smoked paprika; 1/4 cup water; 8 oz. Banza Chickpea Pasta Elbows (weighed uncooked); 1 red bell pepper, chopped (113g); 8 oz. low fat cottage cheese; 1/2 cup medium spice salsa; 1/4 cup whole milk (can substitute 2%); 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese (56g); 1/2 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese (56g)

I am beyond excited to share this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe with you because it combines two of my absolute favorite comfort foods into one incredible dish. Imagine creamy, cheesy macaroni mingling with zesty taco-seasoned beef and sweet bell peppers—all in one skillet. It’s like a flavor party in every bite that’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight or serve at your next gathering. This recipe has quickly become one of my go-tos when I want something satisfying, vibrant, and just downright delicious.

Why You'll Love This Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe

What makes this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe so special for me is the unmatched flavor harmony it offers. The smoky, spicy taco-seasoned beef perfectly complements the creamy cheese sauce, while the bell peppers add a fresh crunch that brightens every bite. I love how the spices aren’t overpowering but just enough to keep your taste buds dancing. It feels like an indulgent treat yet remains balanced and fresh.

Another reason I’m a big fan of this recipe is how straightforward it is to make. It comes together in about 20 minutes, which means you can enjoy something home-cooked and comforting even on your busiest days. The use of chickpea pasta adds a fun twist, not to mention a protein boost, which I appreciate. For me, this is the kind of dish that feels complex but actually requires minimal fuss—exactly what I want after a long day.

This recipe is versatile enough for all sorts of occasions. Whether I’m looking for a hearty weeknight dinner, something to bring to potlucks, or a dish that will impress guests without keeping me in the kitchen all evening, this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe shines. It’s fun, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser wherever you serve it.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows five dishes arranged vertically on a white marbled surface. At the top, there is a black container filled with bright yellow macaroni and cheese, with a creamy and smooth texture. Below it, there is a white bowl filled with browned, crumbly cooked ground meat, with a rough texture. The middle dish is a white bowl containing chunky red salsa with a slightly shiny surface. Below that, there is a white scalloped bowl filled with crushed yellow corn chips, looking dry and crisp. To the right of the bottom bowl, there is a small white square dish holding finely chopped green herbs, adding a fresh color contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet vibrant ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color—from the creamy cheeses to the smoky spices and fresh bell peppers.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Lean ground beef (96/4): The foundation of rich, meaty flavor and protein in this dish.
Taco seasoning: A fragrant blend of spices that brings the taco flavor to life.
Banza chickpea pasta elbows: A nutritious pasta alternative that adds a nice bite and protein.
Red bell pepper: Adds a fresh sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
Low fat cottage cheese: Creates a creamy base for the cheesy sauce without heaviness.
Medium spice salsa: Infuses the sauce with subtle heat and tanginess.
Whole milk: Adds just enough richness to the sauce for perfect creaminess.
Mild cheddar cheese: Brings smooth, gentle cheesy flavor that melts beautifully.
Reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a bold, tangy cheese punch.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce for that classic mac and cheese texture.
Salt, onion powder, garlic powder: Essential seasonings to build deep savory flavors.
Smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin: These spices add smoky warmth and authentic taco vibes.
Water: Helps blend the taco seasoning into a paste to coat the beef evenly.

Directions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. This ensures your pasta is perfectly al dente and ready to soak up all the cheesy goodness later.

Step 2: While the noodles cook, start browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break the meat down into bite-sized pieces as it cooks for even seasoning and texture. This step builds the meaty foundation of the dish.

Step 3: In a small bowl, combine all the taco seasonings with water to create a smooth paste. Once the beef is browned, stir this paste into the skillet along with the chopped red bell peppers. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Using an immersion blender, food processor, or regular blender, blend the low fat cottage cheese until it is completely smooth. This creates the creamy base for our cheese sauce without any lumps. After blending, mix in the salsa, milk, and flour until you have a well-combined sauce that will thicken nicely.

Step 5: Add the cottage cheese sauce and the shredded mild and sharp cheddar cheeses into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir this all together over low heat until the cheeses fully melt and the sauce becomes rich and creamy, evenly coating the meat and peppers.

Step 6: Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the cheesy meat mixture. Stir everything thoroughly so every pasta elbow is dressed with that luscious taco-mac flavor. For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe makes about 6 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Prep time is roughly 5 minutes, and cooking takes around 15 minutes, so the total time from start to finish is about 20 minutes. There’s no resting time needed—this dish is best served hot and fresh straight from the stove for maximum flavor and creaminess.

How to Serve This Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe

A close-up view of a bowl filled with one layer of macaroni pasta mixed with ground meat, diced carrots, and small green herbs. The pasta is light yellow, curved, and coated with a creamy sauce. Small pieces of orange carrots and green herbs are spread evenly throughout. A fork with a green handle is placed inside the bowl, which is white with light speckles. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some greenery blurred nearby. Another similar bowl is partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this dish, I like to keep the sides simple but complementary. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette brightens the plate and balances the richness of the mac and cheese beautifully. You could also add some fresh sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream on the side for extra creaminess and cool contrast.

For garnish, fresh chopped cilantro gives it a lovely pop of green and lifts the flavor with a slight herbaceous note. If you want to spice things up, a few thin slices of jalapeño or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes work amazingly well. I find serving it in individual bowls makes portioning easy and invites everyone to dig right in.

Pairing-wise, this recipe goes wonderfully with crisp, refreshing beverages—think a zesty margarita, an ice-cold cerveza, or even a sparkling water with lime for a non-alcoholic option. I love serving this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe during casual weeknight dinners, family game nights, or even festive gatherings where everyone wants something hearty but exciting. Just be sure to serve it hot or warm to keep that creamy cheese sauce at its best!

Variations

I like to play around with this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the dietary needs of my guests. For example, swapping the chickpea pasta for traditional elbow macaroni or even a gluten-free pasta is a breeze without losing any of the flavor or texture. For a vegan twist, I substitute the beef with seasoned lentils or seasoned crumbled tofu, and use vegan cheeses and a plant-based milk to keep the creaminess intact.

If you’re craving more heat, adding chipotle powder or diced green chilies amps up the spice levels beautifully. On the flip side, if you want to tone down the heat without sacrificing flavor, simply reduce the chili powder or spicy salsa and add a little extra cheese for richness. This recipe is also great baked—after mixing all the ingredients, top with extra cheese and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes for a golden, bubbly crust that’s irresistible.

Another fun twist I recommend is adding corn kernels or black beans for extra texture and heartiness, turning it into even more of a fiesta in your mouth. This recipe encourages creativity, so feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. I like glass containers with tight-fitting lids because they help keep the flavors fresh and allow for easy reheating. Stored properly, leftovers will stay good for up to 3-4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the deliciousness again.

Freezing

While I do recommend enjoying this dish fresh for the best texture, it can be frozen if needed. To freeze, divide the cooled mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It keeps well frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best flavor and consistency.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe is gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to re-melt the cheese and avoid separation. Adding a splash of milk or water helps restore the creamy texture if it feels too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave, but I recommend using short bursts of time and stirring in between to keep it evenly warm and delicious. Avoid reheating at high temperatures or for too long to prevent the cheese from getting rubbery or oily.

FAQs

Can I use regular elbow macaroni instead of chickpea pasta?

Absolutely! Regular elbow macaroni works perfectly and will give you that classic mac and cheese texture. Chickpea pasta is a great high-protein alternative, but feel free to use whichever pasta you prefer or have on hand.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to the taco seasonings and salsa. If you prefer it milder, you can reduce or omit the chili powder and use a mild salsa. For more heat, add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the components in advance, like browning the beef and mixing the sauce, then combine and reheat before serving. Keep in mind the mac and cheese is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and creaminess.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?

If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta works well as a creamy alternative. Just blend it smooth as you would with the cottage cheese to maintain that silky sauce consistency.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! I love tossing in corn, black beans, or extra bell peppers. You could also add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition. Just cook them ahead and then mix in when combining everything.

Conclusion

I hope you feel as inspired as I do to dive into this Taco Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s such a delightful blend of comfort and spice that’s surprisingly easy to prepare yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a fun twist on classic mac and cheese, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite on your menu. Give it a try soon—I can’t wait to hear what you think!