Macaroni and Cheese Taco

Take your taco night to bold, mouthwatering new heights with this Macaroni and Cheese Taco recipe—a genius fusion of two comfort food favorites! Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is smothered in a creamy, homemade cheddar cheese sauce infused with a hint of paprika and optional cayenne for a subtle kick. This velvety macaroni filling is paired with savory, taco-seasoned ground beef or plant-based meat and nestled inside crispy hard taco shells. Topped with fresh green onions and a dollop of tangy sour cream, these tacos are the ultimate blend of cheesy indulgence and Tex-Mex spice. Ready in just 35 minutes, this creative recipe is an easy, family-friendly dinner that's sure to impress. Whether you're craving cheesy comfort or taco-inspired excitement, these Macaroni and Cheese Tacos deliver a truly irresistible flavor experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Elbow macaroni
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 1.5 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup Ground beef or plant-based meat
• 1 tablespoon Taco seasoning
• 6 Hard taco shells
• 2 tablespoons Green onions, chopped
• 0.25 cup Sour cream

Directions

Step 1

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a roux forms.

Step 3

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Set aside.

Step 6

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or plant-based meat until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces. Drain any excess fat, if needed.

Step 7

Stir in the taco seasoning and 2 tablespoons of water, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 8

Warm the taco shells according to package instructions (typically in the oven or microwave).

Step 9

Fill each taco shell with a scoop of the macaroni and cheese, followed by a layer of seasoned ground beef.

Step 10

Top with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream to garnish.

Step 11

Serve immediately and enjoy your Macaroni and Cheese Tacos!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	949.2 grams (949.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2639

Total Fat 170.40g	218%
Saturated Fat 87.10g	435%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 491mg	164%
Sodium 5759mg	250%
Total Carbohydrate 167.70g	61%
Dietary Fiber 9.50g	34%
Total Sugars 19.60g
Protein 115.90g	232%

Vitamin D 143IU	717%
Calcium 1756mg	135%
Iron 15mg	86%
Potassium 1467mg	31%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.5%

Protein: 17.4%

Carbs: 25.1%