Mexican Mac And Cheese Recipe

Take your comfort food to the next level with this Mexican Mac and Cheese recipe! It combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with bold Mexican flavors like ground beef, taco seasoning, and jalapeños. This dish is perfect for family dinners, game-day gatherings, or whenever you're in the mood for something rich, flavorful, and a little spicy. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the ultimate Mexican Mac and Cheese that everyone will love!

---

What Is Mexican Mac and Cheese?

Mexican Mac and Cheese is a fusion of classic macaroni and cheese with the vibrant, spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine. It features pasta cooked in a creamy cheese sauce, combined with seasoned ground beef, peppers, and other Tex-Mex toppings like salsa and jalapeños. The result is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings the best of both worlds—cheesy comfort and bold, zesty flavors.

---

Ingredients List for Mexican Mac and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, cheesy Mexican Mac and Cheese:

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped cilantro
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Diced avocado
• Crushed tortilla chips

---

Substitutions and Variations

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

• Meat options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Cheese options: Feel free to mix and match your cheeses. Pepper Jack, Oaxaca cheese, or Queso Fresco can add unique flavor profiles.
• Spice level: For a milder version, use diced tomatoes without chilies or reduce the amount of taco seasoning. For more heat, add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
• Beans or corn: Mix in black beans, pinto beans, or corn for extra texture and flavor.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started making this creamy, spicy Mexican Mac and Cheese!

---

How to Cook Mexican Mac and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add onion and garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
3. Season the beef: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to combine. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Make a roux: In a separate medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Add milk: Gradually whisk in 1 ½ cups of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Melt the cheeses: Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and cream cheese (if using) until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Beef, and Cheese Sauce

1. Mix together: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Then fold in the seasoned ground beef mixture, making sure everything is evenly coated in the cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Add Toppings

1. Serve hot: Spoon the Mexican Mac and Cheese into bowls or plates and top with your favorite garnishes like sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
2. Enjoy!

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not draining the ground beef: If you don’t drain the excess fat after browning the beef, the final dish may be greasy. Be sure to drain it to keep the mac and cheese creamy.
2. Overcooking the pasta: Cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to absorb some liquid from the cheese sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
3. Skipping the roux: The roux helps thicken the cheese sauce, so don’t skip this step if you want a rich, creamy consistency.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Mexican Mac and Cheese is hearty and flavorful, but you can still add a few touches to make it even more appetizing and fun to serve.

How to Serve Mexican Mac and Cheese

• Family-style: Serve the mac and cheese directly from the skillet or pot for a casual, family-style meal. Place bowls of toppings on the table so everyone can customize their dish.
• With tortilla chips: Serve with tortilla chips on the side for dipping or for scooping up cheesy pasta bites.
• As a side: This dish is also a great side for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.

Presentation Ideas for Mexican Mac and Cheese

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
• Top with tortilla strips: Crushed or whole tortilla chips or strips add crunch and visual appeal to the creamy pasta.
• Serve in cast-iron skillet: For a rustic presentation, serve the mac and cheese straight from a cast-iron skillet.

---

Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe Tips

• Make it extra creamy: For an ultra-creamy sauce, stir in a few ounces of cream cheese or even a splash of heavy cream along with the shredded cheese.
• Double the recipe: This dish is great for feeding a crowd, so double the ingredients if you’re serving a large group. Leftovers also reheat well for lunches or dinner the next day.
• Customize with veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the beef mixture for extra texture and flavor.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Mexican Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to refresh the sauce.

Can I freeze Mexican Mac and Cheese?

Yes, Mexican Mac and Cheese freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop, stirring in extra milk or cheese to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can use any small pasta shape that holds onto the sauce, such as rotini, penne, or shells.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

---

Conclusion

This Mexican Mac and Cheese recipe brings together all the rich, cheesy comfort of classic mac and cheese with the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine. With seasoned ground beef, a creamy cheese sauce, and your favorite toppings, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or serving it up at a party, Mexican Mac and Cheese will always be a hit.

Print