This deliciously cheesy ground beef dinner is a hit with even the pickiest of eaters!
Combining seasoned taco meat with creamy macaroni and cheese is comfort food at its easiest. This quick and simple dinner recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and families with picky eaters. With just a few pantry staples you can have a flavorful, budget-friendly meal on the table in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 boxes Velveeta macaroni & cheese (or your preferred boxed mac and cheese)
- 1 can diced tomatoes & green chilies (Rotel or similar)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
This dish merges two family favorites—macaroni and cheese and seasoned taco beef—into one satisfying casserole-style skillet meal. The ingredients are inexpensive and straightforward, making this an excellent choice for busy households or anyone cooking on a budget.
Step 1Prepare the boxed macaroni and cheese following the package directions. Velveeta brands often include everything you need in the box, while other brands may call for milk and butter—check the package and prepare accordingly.
Step 2While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease. Add the taco seasoning and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, then stir in about 1/4 cup of water if the mixture seems dry. Let the seasoned beef simmer for at least five minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 3When the macaroni and cheese is finished, add it directly into the skillet with the taco meat. Stir gently until the pasta is well coated with the seasoned beef and tomato mixture. Serve hot—dinner is ready in under 20 minutes.
This recipe is very adaptable. Kids enjoy the familiar cheesy flavor, while the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes add a tasty kick for adults. Top individual servings with shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, diced avocado, or a dash of hot sauce to personalize the plate.
This simple weeknight meal stretches well for larger families and reheats nicely for leftovers. It’s an economical, filling dish that can be doubled or adjusted depending on how many people you’re feeding. My family often asks for seconds when I make this.
Make the meal complete with your favorite side of veggies! Air-fried zucchini and bell peppers pair really well with this dish.
Easy Taco Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
This quick, cheesy skillet combines boxed macaroni and cheese with seasoned ground beef and diced tomatoes for an easy family meal. It’s budget friendly, kid-approved, and ready in minutes.
Details
- Course: Main Course
- Servings: 6
- Keywords: budget friendly, cheesy, easy dinner, ground beef, pasta, picky eaters
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 boxes Velveeta macaroni and cheese (or your preferred boxed mac)
- 1 can diced tomatoes & green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni and cheese according to package directions.
- While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet, drain excess grease, then add about 1/4 cup water, the taco seasoning, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir and simmer for at least 5 minutes.
- Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese with the taco beef in the skillet. Stir until evenly mixed and heated through. Serve immediately.
Notes & Serving Suggestions
- Use any boxed macaroni and cheese you prefer; check if your brand requires added milk or butter.
- Top individual servings with shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or hot sauce to taste.
- For a healthy side, air-fry zucchini and bell peppers tossed with olive oil and seasonings, or roast or sauté them as an alternative.
Quick, filling, and customizable, this taco macaroni and cheese is a dependable go-to when you need an easy dinner idea that the whole family will enjoy.
