Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Spicy Mac and Cheese Tacos

Spicy Mac and Cheese Tacos

A bold fusion of comfort food and taco night, these spicy mac and cheese tacos are creamy, cheesy, and packed with heat. Perfect for busy weeknights or fun gatherings.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1–2 jalapeños, sliced
  • 8 soft taco shells
  • Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F if warming taco shells.
  2. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, cook ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until browned. Drain excess fat.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour, and gradually add milk, stirring until smooth.
  5. Add cheese, paprika, and chili flakes to make the sauce. Stir until melted and creamy.
  6. Mix pasta and beef into the cheese sauce until well combined.
  7. Warm taco shells for 5 minutes in oven.
  8. Spoon mac and cheese mixture into each taco shell.
  9. Top with jalapeños, green onions, or cilantro. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for best meltability.
  • Adjust spice level to taste by reducing chili flakes or jalapeños.
  • Leftover filling can be repurposed into burritos or baked pasta.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Fusion
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: mac and cheese tacos, spicy pasta tacos, cheesy taco recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food fusion