Easy Taco Mac Recipe (One Pan & 30 Minutes!)

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by Annie Holmeson Nov 6, 2018 (updated Jan 22, 2024) 61 comments

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4.46 from 682 ratings

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This easy Taco Mac recipe is a quick, one-pan, 30-minute meal packed with taco meat, noodles and cheese! Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

This is such a crazy time of year for us. The shop is gearing up for the holidays and Mr. Maebell usually takes a few trips so we always spread a little thin. A fanciful dinner is not an option (and we had Air Fryer Baked Potatoes 3 times last week, so I guess I should switch it up). I am all about super easy, inexpensive meals and bonus points if it can be made in one pan!

This Easy Taco Mac recipe fits the bill perfectly. From start to finish, this is a 30-minute meal made in one pan so clean up is a breeze. It also uses basic pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. If you’re looking for more super simple meals, try this Spicy Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap!

This is a great meal to fit a family or if you are like us and just cooking for two you will have plenty of left overs for lunch or a repeat dinner!

Looking for a lower-carb dinner? Try this Taco Spaghetti Squash Casserole – All the same great flavors for under 6 net carbs! Here’s a great Keto Taco Pizza, too – 5 net carbs per slice and super kid friendly!

Ingredients in Taco Mac

The best part about this recipe is that it is made in one pan! The second best thing is that the ingredients are so basic. This recipe has mostly pantry staples you probably keep handy.

Ground beef or ground turkey
Elbow noodles (I use Barilla gluten-free)
Beef or chicken broth
Canned tomatoes with green chilies
Milk
Tomato sauce
Taco seasoning
Cheddar cheese

How to Make Taco Mac

Just five simple steps give you an easy one pan pasta dish that has all the flavor of tacos! Top with any of your favorite fixings like avocado, sour cream or hot sauce!

Here are the basic steps to making taco mac and cheese:

In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat.
Add the undrained can of tomatoes with green chilies, broth, milk, tomato sauce and taco seasoning.
Increase heat to medium high until the mixture begins to simmer.
Stir in the noodles and reduce the heat to low. Cover and allow to cook for 15-20 minutes.
When the noodles are tender, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.

Can I Make This Vegetarian?

I’m sure you can! I’d recommend omitting the meat and adding a drained can of beans in its place (perhaps two cans, depending on how chunky you want your taco mac ‘n’ cheese). You’d also need to use veggie broth instead of beef broth.

Can I Omit the Milk?

Yes, you can replace it with another liquid if desired. Keep in mind that the milk helps make the taco mac ultra creamy, so your pasta won’t turn out as thick without it.

Tips for Making Taco Mac and Cheese

If you don’t have elbow pasta on hand, you can use another short, sturdy pasta instead.
I prefer making this recipe with cheddar cheese, but another sharp cheese will work. Think: Monterrey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
Pair it with a skinny keto margarita!

More Easy Pasta Dinners:

Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Mac, a lot like this recipe but loaded with bacon cheeseburger flavor!
One Pan Chili Mac, just as good as this Taco Mac!
Keto Tuna Casserole, with zucchini noodles instead of regular noodles.
Keto Taco Casserole, also with zucchini noodles instead of regular pasta.
, quick and easy!

Get the Recipe:Easy Taco Mac

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 25 minutes mins

Yield: 6

Author: Annie Holmes

This Taco Mac recipe is a one-pan, 30-minute meal packed with taco meat, noodles and cheese! Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

4.46 from 682 ratings

Print Leave a ReviewPin Recipe

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound ground turkey or beef
▢ 1 10 ounce can Ro-Tel, undrained
▢ 1 cup broth, chicken or beef broth
▢ 1 cup milk
▢ 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
▢ 1 1 ounce package taco seasoning
▢ 1 1/2 cup elbow noodles, I use Barilla gluten free elbows
▢ 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey or ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any grease.
Add the undrained can of Ro-Tel, broth, milk, tomato sauce and taco seasoning.
Increase heat to medium high until the mixture begins to simmer.
Stir in noodles and reduce heat to low, cover and allow to cook for 15-20 minutes.
When noodles are tender, stir in shredded cheddar cheese.

Notes

Cook time: I used Barilla gluten free elbows and my cooking time is exactly 18 minutes.

Ro-Tel: If you're not famliar with Ro-Tel, it's canned chopped tomatoes with green chilies.

This recipe yields 6 servings, approximately 1 1/2 cups per serving.

Serving: 1.5 cup, Calories: 445kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 125mg, Sodium: 503mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g

Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review below!

30 Minutes or Less Beef Recipes Dinner Easy Gluten Free Main Dish Most Popular Non Keto Recipes One Pan Recipes

by Annie Holmes on Nov 6, 2018 (updated Jan 22, 2024)

61 comments Leave a comment »

About the Author

Annie Holmes

Annie is the gluten-free blogger behind Maebells that has a passion for revamping classic Southern comfort food into lighter, healthier, gluten-free meals. For more from Annie, connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest.

61 comments on “Easy Taco Mac (gluten free + one pan)”

Laura — September 26, 2019 @ 6:11 pm Reply
Thank you for a great recipe! This could not have been easier to make! And it was delicious! My 1 and a half year old and picky 3 year old both gobbled it up so it will be added to the rotation! Only change I made was using heavy whipping cream instead of milk since I was running low on milk and needed to save it for the kiddos! Haha. Turned out perfect and super creamy!
Amanda — September 26, 2019 @ 6:45 pm Reply
What a wonderful recipe thank you so much for sharing!
- Delanie — February 28, 2024 @ 5:14 pm Reply
  
  This was absolutely delicious and couldn’t have been easier. Thank you for the great recipe!
Dorothy Reinhold — September 26, 2019 @ 8:38 pm Reply
This is exactly the kind of meals that my kids LOVE. I can’t wait to put this in the rotation.
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert — September 27, 2019 @ 12:10 am Reply
What a great recipe! I have to put this on my menu!
Katerina @ diethood .com — September 27, 2019 @ 7:09 am Reply
My family would LOVE this!! The perfect weeknight meal!!
Catalina — September 27, 2019 @ 11:24 am Reply
Yummy! I think my whole family will love this dish!
melanie bauer — September 27, 2019 @ 11:31 am Reply
A total win with everyone at our dining room table!
Chelsea Brown — November 27, 2019 @ 3:16 pm Reply
This was amazing! Followed the recipe, except I used dairy-free products and added some black beans! Everyone loveddd….
- Annie Holmes — November 30, 2019 @ 10:11 am Reply
  Hi Chelsea! I am so glad!! I have a Chili Mac version of this recipe too your family might enjoy that one too! You just can’t beat a one pan meal can you?! 🙂
Karley — January 6, 2020 @ 6:09 pm Reply
I added some cream cheese to this to make it even creamer and extra rotel! Next time I make this I’m be adding something to give it a little spice and it’ll be perfect!
Annie — January 14, 2020 @ 7:49 pm Reply
Perfect family dish that my tots loved! Thank you!
Rena — January 20, 2020 @ 11:44 am Reply
Looks great!! Seems like a great way to use up left over taco meat. I am adding both tacos and this to the menu. I love when I can cook meet for two days meals at once. Thanks for sharing
Amanda Keener — February 10, 2020 @ 10:06 am Reply
Made this last night after searching for ground turkey recipes. I measured each bowl into 1 cup portions for each of us, and we were so stuffed. Super easy and delicious! This will definitely be added into our meal rotation!
Kim — February 10, 2020 @ 6:11 pm Reply
Do I cook the noodles first?
- Annie Holmes — February 10, 2020 @ 10:00 pm Reply
  Kim, no you do not.
Kim — April 21, 2020 @ 4:48 pm Reply
Great recipe! I added black beans and it worked!
tracikenworth — April 26, 2020 @ 11:21 am Reply
Loooks like it’ll fit right into our menus! Thanks!
See Also
Saucy Gochujang Noodles with Chicken
Gina — April 29, 2020 @ 11:30 am Reply
This looks both easy and tasty. Perfect for a quick dinnner
- Annie Holmes — May 3, 2020 @ 8:09 am Reply
  Thanks Gina! We love it!
Jess — May 1, 2020 @ 4:43 pm Reply
This was so simply and yummy! I followed the recipe to a tee and was so pleased, I will definitely be making it again!
- Annie Holmes — May 3, 2020 @ 8:14 am Reply
  Thanks Jess! I’m so glad your family enjoyed it!
Chesni — May 7, 2020 @ 7:19 pm Reply
can you use vegetable broth instead?
- Annie Holmes — May 7, 2020 @ 8:30 pm Reply
  Hi Chesni, sure that would work too!
- Sue — January 1, 2024 @ 9:04 pm Reply
  is this good reheated the next day?
  - Annie Holmes — January 15, 2024 @ 3:24 pm Reply
    Yes, this is great for meal prep.
Laura — May 11, 2020 @ 8:33 pm Reply
This looks very easy and very tasty
Stephanie — May 17, 2020 @ 5:12 pm Reply
What would be the cook time if I tried this in my Instapot? This was amazing on the stovetop but our IP browns the meats and cooks the pasta so much better! Thank You ?
Kristel Thornbury — May 26, 2020 @ 12:43 am Reply
Can I omit the milk?
- Annie Holmes — May 26, 2020 @ 8:18 am Reply
  Kristel you can replace it with another liquid if you wish, but the milk does help make the dish creamy.
Tina — August 18, 2020 @ 8:46 pm Reply
Thanks for the recipe idea!! I did however give it a big twist!!
I added: onion, garlic, frozen corn, goat cheese along with the cheddar cheese. I also added a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar and some hot sauce to the sauce.
Darrin Stephen — September 13, 2020 @ 6:52 pm Reply
So I made a few adjustments to accommodate or family needs: added mushrooms and green peppers subbed out the milk for coconut milk, subbed out the cheese for goat cheese, added cumin, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper separately, instead of store bought “taco seasoning”. It was absolutely stellar thank you for the idea.
Mrs. Green — November 8, 2020 @ 5:51 pm Reply
This was very good. I altered it a little because I used what I had on hand which was diced tomatoes, green peppers & onion & mozzarella cheese & it was still yummy.
Katina — November 11, 2020 @ 12:39 pm Reply
Will almond milk work in place of reg milk?
- Annie Holmes — November 11, 2020 @ 1:59 pm Reply
  Hi Katina, yes it will. I hope you enjoy!
Kim — December 17, 2020 @ 5:58 pm Reply
Made this tonight for the family and was a success!! So easy and delicious thanks for sharing😋
Micaela — March 4, 2021 @ 4:46 pm Reply
Such a great recipe that can be changed up in so many ways! Thank you for such a great idea to work with!! God bless😇
Kanet — April 3, 2021 @ 4:49 pm Reply
Can it be made in advance and then baked in the oven?
Jennifer — August 20, 2021 @ 8:46 am Reply
New favorite recipe!
How do you get these one pan recipes not to burn to the bottom when you put the lid on!?
- Annie Holmes — August 21, 2021 @ 10:39 am Reply
  Hi Jennifer, thanks so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed this. I have not had an issue with the bottom layer burning, however next time just open midway through the cooking time and give it a quick stir, that should prevent any issues. Enjoy!
Bill Sullivan — October 18, 2021 @ 2:40 pm Reply
My wife and I love this recipe. I’ve made it twice in about a month. We’re always looking for good gluten free recipes and this is one we’ll keep making.
Veronica Buckler — November 3, 2021 @ 11:18 am Reply
So good! Easy, delicious. What could be better? It makes a ton, so I was able to share with family.
Kim — December 8, 2021 @ 12:34 pm Reply
Hi Annie, this recipe is incredible and SO easy! My whole family asked for seconds, and they already want to know when I’m making it again. I can’t thank you enough for sharing it! 🙂
Kimberly Thompson — January 11, 2022 @ 2:59 pm Reply
We enjoyed this easy to prepare recipe. I will make a couple of tweaks next time to suit our taste but we were definitely pleased. My daughter made the comment that the hamburger mixture would be perfect for nachos and I totally agree with her.
LeAnn — March 15, 2022 @ 7:04 pm Reply
This was great! I used low sodium taco seasoning and broth and it was still big on flavor! Will be making this again!
Mariah — March 22, 2022 @ 7:42 pm Reply
Do you have any tricks to get the noodles to cook through all the way?? I’ve made it twice now and they have come out still a little raw. Thanks!
- Annie Holmes — March 22, 2022 @ 8:59 pm Reply
  Mariah, no this pasta is never undercooked for me. Your altitude and many other things could come into play, just cook an additional 1-2 minutes until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
Amelia — March 25, 2022 @ 4:48 am Reply
OMG, just looking at those photos makes me crave Taco Mac. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe with us. I’ll give this a try tomorrow. I’m hoping the final outcome will be yummy. Wish me luck haha
John — August 29, 2022 @ 7:14 am Reply
Looks like taco mac is going to become my new favorite comfort food!
Christine — August 29, 2022 @ 9:13 am Reply
Thanks for sharing! Taco night is back!
Sheila — January 30, 2023 @ 9:28 pm Reply
This dish was really good and easy to make. I cheated and used my Instant Pot. I added a can of diced chilies, dash of chili powder, increased the pasta to 2 cups and added additional 1-1.5 cups of beef broth. Thanks for a yummy recipe.
Nayem @ Gravy Flavour — March 20, 2023 @ 2:48 pm Reply
Delicious!! Just love it! Thanks for sharing.
Anne — April 8, 2023 @ 5:54 am Reply
Loved this recipe. Thanks for sharing. I used heavy whipping cream instead of milk and the sauce was so thick and creamy.
Cassandra Perez — May 18, 2023 @ 9:47 pm Reply
I absolutely loved this recipe! All of the ingredients were inexpensive, maybe around $10, and the directions made it super easy to make. It was a bonus that it took less than 30 minutes. It was totally delicious & we’re definitely making it again! Thank you for this great dish!
Bob — July 7, 2023 @ 11:27 am Reply
This recipe looks so good! Nice twist of mac and cheese and tacos! Going to have to try this one for sure! Thanks for the recipe!
Ecstasy — July 12, 2023 @ 10:45 am Reply
I am so much in love with pasta that the sight of it makes me drool. But I cannot have pasta everyday due to too much of gluten in them. However, this recipe was of great help and the taste of this pasta is incredible to be honest.
Alexa — November 3, 2023 @ 9:42 am Reply
This looks like the perfect weeknight dinner solution – simple, delicious, and gluten-free!
Lisa — December 9, 2023 @ 8:06 am Reply
Can I use evaporated milk?
- Annie Holmes — December 13, 2023 @ 2:09 pm Reply
  I have not tried that but I imagine it would work.
Sonya — January 2, 2024 @ 3:36 pm Reply

I made this for my family last night and everyone loved it! I was anticipating a large amount of leftovers, as there are only 3 people in my family, but we ate all of it. I can’t wait to make this again. It is definitely a new family favorite. Thank you!
Justly — January 5, 2024 @ 5:14 am Reply

This recipe just made it to the top of my ‘must-try’ list! The combo of tacos and mac in one pan sounds like a game-changer.

Easy Taco Mac Recipe (One Pan & 30 Minutes!) - Maebells (2024)