By This Taco Mac & Cheese Fiesta balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Taco Mac & Cheese Fiesta captures the essence of meals|chicken while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Taco Mac & Cheese Fiesta becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 lb lean ground beef
1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning
½ cup water
1 can (10.5 oz) Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
1 cup milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
8 oz Velveeta cheese, shredded or diced
8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
PREPARATION STEPS
Spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
Cook beef until no longer pink; drain. Add taco seasoning and water, cook until absorbed.
In a saucepan, combine soup, milk, broth, tomatoes with chiles, and Velveeta. Heat until cheese melts.
Mix meat and cheese sauce with pasta. Transfer to pan, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Uncover casserole, top with Mexican cheese, and bake for 1 hour.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus chilling | Servings: 8
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~350 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
