Description
This Mexican Mac and Cheese recipe is a delicious twist on the classic comfort dish, combining creamy cheese sauce with bold Mexican flavors like taco seasoning, jalapeños, and salsa. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this easy-to-make dish is packed with ground beef, melty cheeses, and a spicy kick!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then add onion, garlic, taco seasoning, and salsa. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Make the cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, then gradually adding milk. Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sour cream until smooth.
- Combine cooked macaroni, beef mixture, and cheese sauce in a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeños before serving.
Notes
- For extra spice, add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free option.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Mexican mac and cheese, spicy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta recipe, taco mac and cheese, easy dinner recipe, comfort food