A formula you won’t forget – mac ‘n cheese + ground beef + seasonings and toppings of your choice = a skillet that’s sure to satisfy! Season ground beef with Member’s Mark™ Taco Seasoning to add the distinct taste of chili peppers, Mexican oregano, onion, garlic salt, and a hint of cayenne for a south of the border flavor. Your family is going to love this Mexican Mac ‘n Cheese Pasta Skillet!

What is Special About a Pasta Skillet?

A skillet recipe is simply a dish that’s cooked in a skillet (a large, flat-bottomed frying pan) from start to finish. The appeal is usually convenience—less cleanup and often faster cooking.

Key features of skillet recipes:

One-pan cooking: Everything is made in the same pan (protein, vegetables, sauce, sometimes even pasta or rice).
Stovetop focus: Most are cooked entirely on the stove, though some skillet recipes are finished in the oven (like skillet cornbread or frittatas).
Versatile: Can be savory (chicken and rice skillet, sausage and peppers, pasta skillet) or sweet (skillet cookie, skillet cobbler).

They’re popular because they save time, simplify weeknight cooking, and let flavors blend together nicely in one pan.

How to Customize Your Mexican Mac ‘n Cheese Pasta Skillet

A taco pasta skillet is already a flexible one-pan meal, so you can easily customize it to your taste. Here are some ways to make it your own:

Protein Options

Classic: Ground beef, ground turkey, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Lighter: Ground chicken, lean turkey, or even tofu crumbles.
Hearty/vegetarian: Black beans, pinto beans, or lentils as the main protein.

Pasta Choices

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells hold the sauce well.
Whole wheat or chickpea pasta for more fiber/protein.
Egg noodles or orzo for a softer, creamier style.

Flavor Boosters

Add diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers when browning the meat.
Mix in corn, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies.
Use salsa, enchilada sauce, or fire-roasted tomatoes for more depth.

Cheese Variations

Classic cheddar or Mexican blend for gooey melt.
Pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Cotija or queso fresco crumbled on top for a fresh finish.

Spice & Heat

Adjust taco seasoning (mild, medium, hot).
Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or hot sauce if you like heat.
Keep it mild with just chili powder and cumin.

Fresh Toppings

Add just before serving for a taco feel:

Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Avocado or guacamole
Fresh cilantro or green onions
Lime wedges
Crushed tortilla chips for crunch

Bonus Twist

Crack a few eggs on top and bake the skillet until the whites set—makes it a Tex-Mex brunch dish.

Mexican Mac ‘n Cheese Pasta Skillet

A formula you won’t forget – mac ‘n cheese + ground beef + seasonings and toppings of your choice = a skillet that’s sure to satisfy! Season ground beef with Member’s Mark™ Taco Seasoning adds the distinct taste of chili peppers, Mexican oregano, onion, garlic salt, and a hint of cayenne for a south of the border flavor.

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Ingredients

1 box Cheddar mac 'n cheese
¼ cup Water
1 lb Ground beef
2-3 tbsp Member's Mark™ Taco Seasoning
Diced tomatoes for topping
Shredded lettuce for topping
Shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Sliced avocado for topping
Sour cream for topping

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Instructions

In a large pot, prepare the mac and cheese according to the package instructions.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Add Member's Mark™ Taco Seasoning to taste (about 2-3 tbsp).
Add the ground beef to the pot of mac and cheese. Serve into bowls, and add your favorite toppings.

Video

Course: Main Course

Keyword: mac and cheese, member's mark, mexican, pasta, skillet, taco