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