Agile in the kitchen

Easy Taco Mac n’ Cheese

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The ultimate classic comfort food (with a twist)

Combining a creamy Mac n’ Cheese with the spice of tacos, this easy taco mac n’ cheese will be your next go-to dinner for pasta night. And using my own taco spice seasoning, makes it even better because I know exactly what is in the spice mix.

Butter, salt, pepper, cheese, garlic, milk, flour, ingredients laid out to make Mac n' Cheese sauce. Underneath the ingredients a white cloth with green leaves.
Mac n’ Cheese sauce ingredients laid out

Start with my classic Mac n’ Cheese recipe then add a tablespoon of my favourite home made taco mix and you have a delicious comfort food dish to serve your family.

A white bowl with six ingredients for taco seasoning, next to a bowl of cheese cut in cubes. In the background three glass containers with spices, sitting on a wooden plate.
Taco seasoning and cheese

Quick dinner

It is a quick fix on a weekday evening when you need dinner on the table in no time. While the pasta water is coming to a boil, you have the time to prep the ingredients for the cheese sauce and just enough time to cook the sauce while the pasta is cooking.

Cheese sauce cooking on the stove with a whisk in a silver coloured pot.
Cooking and whisking cheese sauce

Serve it with a side of quick and easy roasted broccoli to add a bit more of green to your plate.

A green bowl of penne pasta topped with taco cheese sauce and a sprig of thyme.
A bowl of taco mac n’ cheese
Roasted broccoli florets straight from the oven, sprinkled with white sesame seeds on a red background.
Roasted broccoli, sprinkled with sesame seeds.
A green bowl of penne pasta topped with taco cheese sauce and a sprig of thyme.
Print Recipe

Easy Taco Mac n’Cheese

A spicy twist to a classic Mac n' Cheese
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: Cheese, pasta, taco
Servings: 4 portions

Ingredients

  • 300 g pasta

Base:

  • 40 grams butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 300 ml milk
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • A pinch of pepper
  • 200 gram medium cheddar cheese
  • 100 ml pasta water optional

Taco seasoning

  • 1 tbsp taco spice mix Try my mix

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Save some of the pasta water for the end, if you desire a more saucy sauce.
  • Melt butter in a sauce pan.
  • Add the flour and stir until grainy and cooked through.
  • Peel and mince the garlic and add to the sauce pan.
  • Let cook for about a minute, make sure you don’t burn the garlic.
  • Add the milk and whisk vigorously to avoid lumps.
  • Add salt, pepper and taco spice mix. Let cook together. Be careful so it doesn’t boil over.
  • Cook until sauce has thickened, about five minutes.
  • Add the shredded cheese and keep stirring until the cheese is melted. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the pasta water and stir again.
  • Serve in a bowl over pasta and sprinkle more shredded cheese on top, if desire.

Notes

Try my taco seasoning mix. Easily put together and last for months in an airtight container. 

Variations

Want something more Creamy? Try my Super Creamy Mac n’ Cheese version instead. Or use blue cheese for a tangy flavour.