The Zesty Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe Everyone Adores

Creamy, comforting Mexican mac and cheese brings a zesty twist to your favorite pasta dish.

Spices dance through melted cheese, creating a flavor explosion that makes ordinary meals extraordinary.

Jalapeños and chorizo add unexpected heat and richness to classic comfort food.

Authentic Mexican ingredients transform this traditional American classic into something truly special.

Bold ingredients like cumin and smoked paprika infuse each bite with incredible depth.

Melted cheese coats tender pasta, promising a meal that satisfies deep cravings.

You’ll want to savor every single cheesy, spicy forkful of this incredible recipe.

Suggested Pairings for Mexican Mac And Cheese Recipe

• Fiesta Party Platter: Spread the mac and cheese on a large serving board, creating colorful sections with extra toppings like diced tomatoes, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips for a festive, shareable experience.
• Taco Night Twist: Serve the mac and cheese as a delicious side dish during taco night, allowing guests to scoop it alongside traditional Mexican-style proteins and fresh salsa.
• Spicy Stuffed Pepper Boats: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with the mac and cheese mixture, then bake until peppers are tender for a fun, handheld meal with added vegetable nutrition.
• Loaded Nacho Style: Transform the dish by adding extra layers of sliced black olives, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of hot sauce to give it a zesty, nacho-inspired presentation.

Proper Storage for Mexican Mac And Cheese Recipe

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Cool the mac and cheese completely before storing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Transfer leftovers to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• What makes this mac and cheese different from traditional mac and cheese?

This Mexican-inspired version combines classic mac and cheese with bold flavors by adding taco seasoning, ground beef or chorizo, and spicy jalapeños for a zesty twist on the traditional comfort food.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the ground beef or chorizo with black beans, roasted corn, or plant-based meat alternatives to maintain the Mexican-inspired flavor profile while keeping the dish meat-free.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and jalapeños you use. You can control the heat by choosing mild taco seasoning and removing jalapeño seeds, or increase spiciness by adding more peppers or using a spicier seasoning blend.

What Makes Mexican Mac And Cheese Recipe Popular

• Spice Up Family Dinners: Transform traditional mac and cheese into a zesty Mexican-inspired feast that brings excitement to the table and delights taste buds with bold flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Swap between ground beef or chorizo, adjust spice levels, and add personal favorite toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for satisfying different preferences.
• Quick and Hearty Meal: Prepare a complete dinner in less than 30 minutes, combining protein, pasta, and cheesy goodness that fills hungry bellies and provides maximum satisfaction.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a simple cooking process that uses minimal dishes, making this recipe ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious and convenient meals.

Ingredients for Mexican Mac And Cheese Recipe

• Pasta: A classic base that provides hearty texture for the mac and cheese.
• Ground Beef or Chorizo: Adds rich, savory protein and Mexican-inspired flavor to the dish.
• Cheese Blend: Cheddar and Monterey Jack create a creamy, melty sauce with tangy depth.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide foundational savory and aromatic notes to enhance overall flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: Delivers authentic Mexican spice profile and warmth to the meat.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate the dish's taste.

• Butter, Flour: Create a smooth roux as the base for the creamy cheese sauce.
• Milk: Helps achieve a silky, luxurious sauce consistency.
• Jalapenos: Add a spicy kick and fresh heat to the mac and cheese.
• Cilantro: Brings a bright, fresh herb note as a finishing garnish.

How to Make Mexican Mac And Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once done, drain the water and set the pasta aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Sizzle Meat Mixture

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Drain any excess fat and sprinkle in taco seasoning, stirring to coat the meat evenly.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux.

Slowly pour in milk, continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 4: Blend Cheese Into Sauce

• Shredded cheddar
• Monterey Jack cheese

Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky and smooth.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine All Components

Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta and seasoned meat.

Ensure everything is well coated and evenly distributed.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

• Sliced jalapenos
• Fresh cilantro leaves

Serve the dish immediately while hot and enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness.

Helpful Tips for Mexican Mac And Cheese Recipe

• Swap ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that's equally delicious and packed with protein.
• Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of salsa or hot sauce directly into the cheese sauce for an extra kick of Mexican-inspired taste.
• Control spice levels by removing jalapeno seeds or using mild green chiles instead for a more kid-friendly meal.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to cut down cooking time and make this a quick weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Flavor Variations for Mexican Mac And Cheese Recipe

• Vegetarian Fiesta: Replace ground beef with black beans or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and corn for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Mexican Comfort: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Spicy Chicken Swap: Use shredded chicken instead of beef or chorizo, adding a leaner protein option with traditional Mexican seasoning.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or cashew cheese sauce, creating a creamy texture for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Creamy Mexican Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Mexican mac and cheese combines zesty spices with comforting pasta for a mouthwatering fusion dish. Bold flavors and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that delights hungry diners.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef or chorizo
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

Starches and Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can diced tomatoes (optional)
• 2–3 jalapenos (sliced, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté ground meat with diced onions and minced garlic until meat is completely browned and crumbly.
3. Drain excess grease from meat mixture. Sprinkle taco seasoning and stir to coat evenly, allowing spices to bloom for 1-2 minutes.
4. In separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create smooth roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
5. Slowly pour milk into roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer sauce until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
6. Reduce heat to low and gradually incorporate shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until completely melted and silky.
7. Fold cheese sauce into cooked pasta, ensuring even distribution. Gently mix in seasoned meat until well combined.
8. Transfer mac and cheese to serving dish. Garnish with sliced jalapeños and chopped fresh cilantro for vibrant color and extra flavor.
9. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Switch protein to suit dietary needs like using ground turkey, plant-based crumbles, or black beans for vegetarian options.
• Control spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning amount or using mild versions for sensitive palates.
• Toast spices in butter before adding flour to enhance deeper, richer flavor profiles in the cheese sauce.
• Prevent cheese sauce from breaking by reducing heat and stirring continuously while incorporating cheese gradually.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg