There is nothing quite like the comforting hug of a cheesy pasta dish, especially when it comes loaded with bold, zesty flavors. The Taco Macaroni and Cheese Recipe takes beloved classics and marries them into a fiesta on your plate. From melty cheddar to spicy salsa con queso, tender ground beef spiced to perfection, and the irresistible crunch of crushed Doritos on top, this dish is a perfect crowd-pleaser that elevates ordinary mac and cheese into a wild, flavor-packed adventure you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Taco Macaroni and Cheese Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and crunchy textures. Simple pantry staples combine with vibrant flavors to transform this dish into something truly special.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a savory base that pairs beautifully with taco spices.
- ¾ cup water: Helps simmer the seasoning and tomato mixture to meld the flavors together.
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning: Packs that signature taco spice punch.
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained: Adds tangy, mild heat and vibrant color.
- 1 (15-oz) jar salsa con queso: Brings creamy texture and pronounced cheese flavor with a little kick.
- â…“ cup heavy cream: Enhances richness and smoothness in the sauce.
- 1 tsp chili powder: Deepens the smoky, spicy aroma of the dish.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Adds background savory depth without overpowering.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Gives a subtle garlic warmth to complement the other spices.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Sharp cheddar provides gooey cheesiness and a bold flavor contrast.
- 12 oz campanelle pasta: The curved, ruffled shape holds sauce perfectly for every bite.
- 1½ cups crushed Doritos: A crunchy, salty topping that creates addictive texture and fun.
How to Make Taco Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and generously spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will ensure that the cheesy goodness won’t stick and your casserole lifts perfectly when serving.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook your campanelle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Al dente pasta holds up beautifully in baked dishes without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain and set aside to await the cheesy, taco-infused sauce.
Step 3: Brown and Season the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef until no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease for a cleaner taste. Add the taco seasoning, water, and undrained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so all the spices meld and the tomatoes add their tangy punch. Then, remove the pan from the heat to prepare the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
To the warm beef mixture, stir in the salsa con queso, heavy cream, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. Give everything a good mix until the sauce is smooth and flavorful. Next, fold in the cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste—this step really brings all the flavors together.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top to create a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes. Slide it into the oven and bake for 20 minutes, letting the cheese melt and bubble to cheesetastic perfection.
Step 6: Add Crunch and Finish Baking
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crushed Doritos evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This extra bake time allows the Doritos to toast slightly, adding a crunchy, flavorful finish that makes this Taco Macaroni and Cheese Recipe totally unforgettable.
How to Serve Taco Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the dish’s festive flair by topping it with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or slices of ripe avocado. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over each serving brightens the flavors in a way that complements the smoky and spicy undertones beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich, cheesy casserole with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette or a bowl of cool, crunchy veggie sticks. These lighter sides balance the hearty macaroni and cheese and add texture variety for the perfect meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Taco Macaroni and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins topped with crushed Doritos just before serving, or turn it into a layered dip with refried beans and guacamole. This dish’s versatility makes entertaining easy and impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover taco macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld further overnight, making it even tastier when reheated.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. If you want to keep the crunchy Doritos topping crispy, add them fresh just before serving instead of reheating them with the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta for this Taco Macaroni and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While campanelle is great for holding sauce, other sturdy shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells work just as well and deliver that comforting mac and cheese texture.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version without sacrificing the bold taco flavors that make this dish so good.
How spicy is this recipe?
This taco macaroni and cheese recipe has a mild to moderate heat thanks to the Rotel and salsa con queso. You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot versions of these ingredients or tweaking the chili powder amount.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add extra baking time if it’s chilled straight from the fridge to ensure it heats through evenly.
What can I use instead of crushed Doritos for topping?
If you want a different crunch, crushed tortilla chips, breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or even crushed pork rinds make excellent alternatives to provide that irresistible texture on top.
Final Thoughts
Getting cozy with this Taco Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cheesy blanket that also brings some lively taco zest. Whether you are feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a fun weeknight dinner, the bold flavors, creamy texture, and crunchy topping come together to make every bite a celebration. I can’t wait for you to try this one — trust me, it will quickly become a favorite you’ll go back to time and again.
Print
Taco Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Taco Macaroni and Cheese is a flavorful fusion dish combining classic creamy macaroni and cheese with spicy taco-seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and a crunchy Doritos topping. Perfect for a crowd, it serves 8 and offers a satisfying blend of cheesy, spicy, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ¾ cup water
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 (15-oz) jar salsa con queso
- â…“ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz campanelle pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (sharp recommended)
Topping
- 1½ cups crushed Doritos
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the campanelle pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef and Season: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning, water, and the undrained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Stir the jar of salsa con queso, heavy cream, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder into the skillet. Mix thoroughly. Add the cooked pasta and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing everything evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake and Add Topping: Bake the casserole for 20 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted. Remove from oven, sprinkle crushed Doritos evenly on top, then bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the topping crisp and the casserole remain hot.
Notes
- You can substitute campanelle pasta with elbow macaroni or shells if needed.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Use reduced-fat cheese and cream to lower calories if desired.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Crushed Doritos add a unique texture—try different flavors like Nacho Cheese or Spicy Sweet Chili depending on your preference.
