Description
Spicy Mexican mac and cheese blends classic comfort with zesty Latin flavors. Cheesy pasta topped with crispy jalapeños and cilantro offers a delightful twist you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 8 ounces (8 oz) elbow macaroni
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Seasonings and Vegetables:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced jalapenos (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Green onions
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with diced onions over medium-high heat until meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes. Carefully drain accumulated fat.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over beef mixture, then incorporate salsa and chopped jalapenos. Allow ingredients to simmer and meld together for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Create cheese sauce by melting butter in a separate saucepan over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in milk, then slowly add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring continuously until smooth and fully integrated.
- Pour cheese sauce over cooked pasta, gently folding to ensure even coating. Add seasoned beef mixture and stir until ingredients are thoroughly combined and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer to serving dish and garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, dollops of sour cream, or diced tomatoes for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier for those watching their calorie intake.
- Swap ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or black beans for a vegetarian version that maintains the Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
- Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or queso fresco to add more depth and complexity to the mac and cheese.
- Reduce the heat level by removing jalapeno seeds or using mild salsa for those with sensitive palates, while still keeping the authentic Mexican taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 474 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg