Taco Mac and Cheese

This family-friendly taco mac and cheese brings together two beloved recipes, meaning it’s sure to become a weeknight staple. With only six simple ingredients, this satisfying dinner is easy, delicious and ready to serve in 30 minutes, using only one pan in the process.

Ingredients for Taco Mac and Cheese

Sheri Silver for Taste of Home

• Packaged shells and cheese: Boxed mac and cheese is the secret ingredient to getting this dish on the table in 30 minutes.
• Bulk pork sausage: Sausage adds lots of flavor and is a good source of protein. You can use sweet or spicy sausage, depending on your family’s preferences.
• Taco sauce: Use your preferred brand of jarred or bottled taco sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, make your own.
• Taco seasoning: The combinations of spices in packaged taco seasoning add a distinctive flavor to this dish. You can dial the heat up or down depending on your palate.
• Shredded lettuce: We love to use iceberg lettuce. Its cool, crisp texture is a refreshing complement to all that warm and cheesy mac.
• Tomatoes: Fresh chopped tomatoes are a classic taco topping. You can use in-season heirlooms, grape tomatoes or the sturdier plum variety.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Feel free to double down on the cheese in this recipe, because you can never have too much! Monterey Jack, Swiss and other blends all work as beautifully as cheddar.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the shells and cheese

Prepare the shells and cheese according to the package directions.

Step 2: Stir in the sausage, taco sauce and taco seasoning

Sheri Silver for Taste of Home

To the prepared shells and cheese add the cooked and drained sausage, taco sauce and taco seasoning. Cook and stir until the ingredients are well combined and heated through.

Step 3: Add your toppings

Top with the shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and shredded cheddar, if desired.

Sheri Silver for Taste of Home

Taco Mac and Cheese Variations

• Change the meats: Use ground beef instead of bulk pork sausage. Ground beef is a great alternative to sausage in this recipe. Simply use the same amount of beef as sausage and cook and drain it before adding it.
• Go gluten-free: With so many gluten-free packaged shells and cheese available you can easily turn this recipe into an ideal gluten-free meal.

How to Store Taco Mac and Cheese

Taco mac and cheese can be stored, without its toppings, in the fridge or freezer. Cool completely the dish, wrap it well in an airtight container and store it in the fridge or freezer.

How do you reheat taco mac and cheese?

If stored in the fridge, warm it in a saucepan on the stove, stirring frequently. You can add a little milk or water if needed to restore consistency. If stored in the freezer, thaw it in the fridge overnight or earlier in the day. Warm it up in a saucepan on the stove, stirring frequently, and adding a little milk or water if needed to restore consistency.

Can you make taco mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes. Taco mac and cheese can be prepared earlier in the day and reheated prior to serving. Prepare the recipe as instructed, adding the toppings and shredded cheese (if using) just before serving.

How long will taco mac and cheese last?

Wrapped well in an airtight container, taco mac and cheese will last for three to four days in the fridge and up to two weeks in the freezer.

Taco Mac and Cheese Tips

Sheri Silver for Taste of Home

What can I serve with taco mac and cheese?

Serve this family-friendly meal with a green salad, steamed or roasted vegetables or warm cornbread.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Taco mac and cheese scales up beautifully. Simply double the ingredients and cook in a large saucepan to accommodate.

What additional toppings or mix-ins can I use?

Feel free to add your choice of taco toppings and mix-ins to this recipe. Fresh or frozen corn, broccoli florets and peas all work. You can add them right into the pan along with the sausage. For toppings, we love sliced avocado, seeded and chopped jalapenos and fresh sour cream.