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Beefy Queso Taco Macaroni and Cheese

A comforting one-skillet meal that combines macaroni with seasoned ground beef, melty queso, and cheddar for a quick, family-friendly dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (about 8 oz) Any small pasta works; shells or cavatappi are good substitutes.
Meat
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 gives flavor; leaner beef will reduce grease.
Spices and Seasoning
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade taco spice.
Dairy
  • 1 cup queso cheese dip Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.
Vegetables
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies 10 oz; drains slightly into the sauce.
Liquid
  • 1 cup beef broth You can substitute chicken or vegetable stock.
Seasoning and Garnish
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • Chopped green onions for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and brown, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
  2. Drain most of the excess fat from the skillet, leaving a tablespoon for flavor if desired.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning, can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained), and beef broth. Mix well.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes so flavors meld and the liquid reduces slightly.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in the queso dip and shredded cheddar. Continue stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in the cheesy beef sauce.
  7. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with chopped green onions sprinkled on top.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta. Drain excess fat but leave a tablespoon — it adds flavor without making the dish greasy. Use good-quality queso dip for creaminess; plain cream cheese will be less silky. Grate your own cheddar for better melt. For variations, add spices or swap proteins as desired.