On a busy night, quick is important. I always keep a box of macaroni and cheese on hand just for a quick, easy meal sometimes (and I do love it on occasion.) But I wanted to do something different. I had everything but tortillas for tacos – and then the light went on!
Here’s how you do it:
Start by cooking the macaroni. While it is cooking, begin browning the beef.
In a heavy skillet, crumble the meat and cook on medium high. When it is browned, but not dry, add the taco seasoning package and follow the directions on the envelope.
Prepare the condiments so they are ready when the dish is. I used these four, but you can use anything that sounds good to you – chopped peppers, more cheese, crunched up tortilla chips. Whatever sounds good to you and your family.
Mix the macaroni and cheese according to the box instructions (or if you are like us, the way you like it. We use a lot of butter and just a tad of milk – and fresh ground pepper!) Add the cheddar and heat, stirring, until it’s melted.
Using a straining spoon, take out the beef and add it to the mac & cheese. You can cook the liquid down, but be careful it doesn’t get too thick. It will be too salty.
Stir and serve hot with the toppings.
© Copyright 2022 The Lazy Gastronome

Boxed macaroni and cheese with extra cheddar and taco meat. Served with taco condiments.
- 2 boxes macaroni and cheese {plus butter and milk to mix)
- 2/3 cup grated cheddar
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning mix
- tomatoes, cilantro, avocado and green onion for garnish
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Start by cooking the macaroni. While it is cooking, begin browning the beef.
-
In a heavy skillet, crumble the meat and cook on medium high. When it is browned, but not dry, add the taco seasoning package and follow the directions on the envelope.
-
Prepare the condiments so they are ready when the dish is.
-
Mix the macaroni and cheese according to the box instructions (or if you are like us, they way you like it). Add the cheddar and heat, stirring, until it's melted.
-
Using a straining spoon, take out the beef and add it to the mac & cheese.
-
Stir and serve hot with the toppings.
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© Copyright 2022 The Lazy Gastronome
My kids loved this!!
Easy mac and cheese everyone loves
My kids love this recipe!
What a fun and flavoursome recipe!
This is brilliant – it was so easy to make and delicious! I’ll be making this again soon!
Great dinner night recipe. Everything comes together so fast!
The grand kids will love this! Thanks.
My kids loved this taco mac n cheese! So good!
Taco mac and cheese is one of my faves!
this mac and cheese is epic! such a great dinner idea!
What a great new way to cook a box of mac and cheese. Your recipe makes it a whole complete meal.