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Homemade Easy 30-Minute Taco Macaroni and Cheese photo

Easy 30-Minute Taco Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy taco-seasoned macaroni ready in about 30 minutes for a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound small pasta shells cooked according to package directions (medium shells, small elbow, rotini, or bowtie may be substituted)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick
  • scant 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups unsweetened cashew milk or other milk (2% or whole recommended; do not use skim)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning 1-ounce packet, medium heat, reduced sodium used
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 1 pound extra-sharp cheddar cheese grated (16 ounces or about 4 cups), divided (use 3 cups in sauce and 1 cup for topping)
  • 15 ounce can black beans drained and rinsed (no-salt-added used)
  • 1/2 cup green onions thinly sliced, reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish
  • 1 medium Roma tomato diced small
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro finely minced

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large oven-safe skillet
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot according to package directions until al dente, drain in a colander, and set aside.
  2. Preheat the broiler to high and position an oven rack so the skillet will be a few inches from the heat.
  3. In a very large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
  4. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly until the mixture turns light brown and bubbles for about 2 minutes to make a roux; cook just long enough to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly whisk in the milk, smoothing out any lumps, until the sauce is smooth.
  6. Stir in the taco seasoning and black pepper, whisking until fully incorporated.
  7. Add 3 cups (about 12 ounces) of the grated cheddar to the sauce and whisk until melted and smooth.
  8. Fold in the cooked pasta, drained black beans, and sliced green onions, stirring to coat everything evenly with the cheese sauce.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup grated cheddar evenly over the top and place the skillet under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until the top is melted and bubbling; watch carefully to avoid burning.
  10. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with diced tomato, the reserved 2 tablespoons green onions, and minced cilantro, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Grate your own cheese because pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as well.
  • Use a very large oven-safe skillet to accommodate the pasta and sauce.
  • Watch the broiler closely as cheese can burn in seconds.
  • Use 2% or whole milk if you don’t have cashew milk for a creamier sauce.
  • Reserve some sliced green onions for garnish.