Okay, so you know how regular mac and cheese is pure comfort food? Well, imagine that, but with a spicy, cheesy kick that’ll make your taste buds sing! This Mexican Mac and Cheese recipe is a total game-changer. It’s like the best of both worlds colliding: the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac, with the vibrant flavors of Mexico. I swear, the first time I made this, it disappeared in about 10 minutes flat – and my family begged me to make it again the very next night. It’s seriously THAT good.
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What is a Mexican Mac and Cheese?
Think of it as your favorite childhood mac and cheese, but all grown up and ready for a fiesta! What is a creamy cheese sauce? Pepper Jack for extra zip – mixed with tender macaroni and infused with the flavors of Mexico. What are some things like diced tomatoes and green chiles, maybe some black beans and a few Green Beans? What are some spices like cumin and chili powder? What is a complete meal in one bowl, comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even start? The flavor is just incredible. It’s cheesy, creamy, a little bit spicy, and bursting with those fresh, vibrant Mexican flavors. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite. But beyond the taste, what I love most about this recipe is how incredibly easy it is. Honestly, it takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. And let’s not forget how budget-friendly it is! Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you can whip this up without breaking the bank. Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different veggies, proteins, or spices. Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! It’s even better than regular mac and cheese – dare I say it?
How do I make Mexican mac and cheese?
Quick Overview
Making this Mexican mac and cheese is surprisingly simple! You’ll start by cooking your macaroni according to package directions. While that’s cooking, you’ll whip up a quick and easy cheese sauce on the stovetop, then stir in all those delicious Mexican-inspired ingredients. Finally, you’ll combine everything together and bake it until bubbly and golden brown. The best part? It’s so customizable, so you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese: What are some examples?
* 1 pound elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk (I’ve used almond milk, and it was surprisingly creamy!)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For the Mexican Flair: What is it like to
* 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained (Rotel is my go-to)
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained.
* 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
What are the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. What do you do if your mac and cheese is stuck to the bottom of the pan?
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. What do you want to do with a little bite, because it will continue to cook in the oven? Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. What is your roux, and it’s what will thicken the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is lightly golden. How do I cook out the raw flour taste?
Step 4: Add the Milk
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. If the sauce is too thick, reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes. Keep stirring so it doesn’t scorch on the bottom!
Step 5: Season and Add Cheese
Stir in the salt and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. I sometimes throw in a handful of pepper jack for an extra kick!
Step 6: Add Mexican Flair
Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chiles, black beans, corn, chili powder, and cumin. Mix well. If you’re using cilantro, save a little for garnish. This is where the magic happens!
Step 7: Combine Everything
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Make sure every noodle is coated in that cheesy goodness.
Step 8: Bake
In a large bowl, pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. I love when the top gets crispy. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Step 9: Cool & Serve
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with remaining cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
Can you make mac and cheese a feast? What are some good ideas?
As a Main Course:Serve with grilled chicken or steak for a heartier meal. What are some good Side Dishes to serve with a green salad?
As a Side Dish:What are some good side dishes for mac and cheese? It adds a creamy, cheesy element that complements the spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine.
Game Day Feast: What is itWhat are some great games to play on game day? Serve it alongside wings, nachos, and other finger foods for a crowd-pleasing spread.
Potluck Favorite: This Mexican Mac and Cheese is always a hit at potlucks. It’s easy to transport and everyone loves it!
My family’s favorite is to have it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of extra chili powder. It’s the perfect comforting and flavorful meal!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Mexican Mac and Cheese
Okay, so I’ve made this a *lot* of times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here’s the inside scoop:
Cheese Matters: Use good quality cheese! The better the cheese, the better the flavor. I like to use a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for a balanced flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni until al dente. Overcooked macaroni will turn mushy in the oven, and nobody wants that.
Spice It Up: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to your liking. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
Add Some Protein: For a heartier meal, add some cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or chorizo to the mac and cheese. This is a great way to use up leftovers!
Get Creative with Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them before adding them to the mac and cheese.
Broil for Extra Crispy Top: For an extra crispy topping, broil the mac and cheese for the last few minutes of baking. Just be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Use Different Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese! Pepper jack, Colby jack, or even a little bit of Oaxaca cheese would be delicious.
I once accidentally used sweetened condensed milk instead of regular milk (don’t ask!), and while it was…interesting… definitely stick to regular milk! Trust me on that one.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Mexican mac and cheese:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the mac and cheese. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat, bake the mac and cheese in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it in individual portions, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream to keep it from drying out.
The key is to make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent freezer burn. I usually divide it into individual portions for easy reheating. Works like a charm!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Mexican mac and cheese! I truly believe it’s the perfect combination of comfort food and vibrant flavor, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you give this recipe a try and love it as much as my family does. If you’re a fan of cheesy, flavorful dishes, you might also enjoy my recipe for creamy tomato soup or my easy lasagna recipe. Happy cooking, friends! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it and what variations you add. Don’t forget to rate the recipe too!
