Best 6 Easy Mexican Mac And Cheese Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Indulge in a culinary masterpiece that harmoniously blends the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting goodness of classic mac and cheese. This exceptional dish, known as Easy Mexican Mac and Cheese, embarks on a delightful journey where the tangy and spicy notes of Mexican cheese and seasonings intertwine seamlessly with the rich, creamy texture of a classic mac and cheese. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.

Our collection of Mexican Mac and Cheese recipes caters to diverse preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're a fan of traditional flavors or prefer a touch of heat, there's a perfect recipe waiting for you. From the Classic Mexican Mac and Cheese, featuring a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso Oaxaca cheeses, to the Spicy Mexican Mac and Cheese, infused with the fiery kick of chipotle peppers and jalapeños, each recipe promises a unique and unforgettable culinary experience.

For those seeking a vegetarian option, the Vegetarian Mexican Mac and Cheese delights with a combination of roasted poblano peppers, corn, and black beans, providing a hearty and flavorful twist to the classic dish. And for those with dietary restrictions, the Gluten-Free Mexican Mac and Cheese offers a satisfying alternative made with gluten-free pasta and a creamy sauce crafted from almond milk and nutritional yeast.

No matter your preferences, our Easy Mexican Mac and Cheese recipes guarantee an explosion of flavors that will captivate your senses. Embark on a culinary adventure and discover the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MEXICAN MAC-N-CHEESE



Mexican Mac-n-Cheese image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h45m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 medium onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 red pepper, seeded, cut into 1/4-inch dice
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons chile powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 all-purpose flour
4 cups milk, cold
2 cups shredded cheddar
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound mini rigatoni, cooked al dente according to package directions
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese, for garnish
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, minced, for garnish
1/4 cup pickled jalapenos, drained, minced, for garnish

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Add the butter, corn, onions, red peppers, garlic and 1 teaspoon of salt to a medium saucepot set over medium-high heat. Saute until the onions are translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the cumin, chile powder, cayenne pepper and flour and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, to make a roux, 3 to 4 minutes. Pour in the cold milk in a steady stream, stirring vigorously until the mixture is smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until starting to thicken, 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack. Cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the scallions, pepper and rigatoni and mix well to combine.
  • Pour the into a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle the panko evenly over the top and cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Remove to a cooling rack and let rest for 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Garnish with the cotija, jalapeno and cilantro. Serve immediately.

ONE-SKILLET TEX MEX MAC AND CHEESE



One-Skillet Tex Mex Mac and Cheese image

An EASY recipe that's made in ONE skillet so you don't have to cook the pasta separately!! Loaded with ground beef, peppers, tomatoes, cheese, and cilantro! A family FAVORITE that feeds a crowd!!

Provided by Averie Sunshine

Categories     Pasta

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large/extra-large sweet vidalia onion, diced small
1 pound lean ground beef (I used 90% lean)
1 large/extra large red bell pepper, diced small
1 cup corn (I used frozen straight from the freezer)
1 cup elbow macaroni (dry, uncooked)
1 cup water
one 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
one 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon cumin, plus more if desired
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons Mexican oregano (regular oregano may be substituted)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more if desired
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
pinch cayenne pepper, optional and to taste
1 to 2 cups shredded cheese (I used a Mexican shredded cheese blend)
fresh cilantro, finely minced for garnishing

Steps:

  • To a large skillet, add the olive oil, onion, beef, and cook over medium-high heat until beef is cooked through and onion is soft and translucent, about 7 minutes; crumble beef and stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
  • Add the bell pepper, corn, macaroni, water, tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, stir to combine.
  • Lower heat to medium low, cover, and allow mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until pasta is tender and cooked through. Stir a couple times while simmering to ensure even cooking.
  • Uncover, turn off the heat, add the cheese, and stir to combine and until melted. Taste and check for seasoning balance. If necessary add more salt or seasonings (I added an additional 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon of cumin).
  • Evenly sprinkle the cilantro and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 357 calories, Carbohydrate 18 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 78 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 21 grams fat, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 26 grams protein, SaturatedFat 9 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 742 grams sodium, Sugar 6 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams unsaturated fat

EASY TACO MAC AND CHEESE



Easy Taco Mac and Cheese image

This is a simple macaroni and cheese recipe with a taco twist. There are multiple ways to mix it up and leave out or use ingredients that you do or don't have. Would love feedback on ways you have mixed it up and what tasted best! Thank you for using. When serving, you can also top the dish with lettuce, tomato, onions, and sour cream.

Provided by Sarah Jayne Jeffries

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h1m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) package ground beef
2 cups salsa
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 cups shell pasta
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup sliced green onions
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease. Add salsa, corn, and taco seasoning. Season meat sauce with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in pasta and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain.
  • Combine the meat sauce, pasta, Colby-Jack cheese, and green onions in a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, about 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 379.8 calories, Carbohydrate 30.8 g, Cholesterol 66.1 mg, Fat 19.9 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 21.4 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 965.5 mg, Sugar 4.3 g

BAKED MEXICAN MACARONI AND CHEESE



Baked Mexican Macaroni and Cheese image

Olé! Reduced-fat ingredients make indulging in mac and cheese almost guilt free.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 2/3 cups uncooked penne pasta (8 oz)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
2 cups Yoplait® Fat Free plain yogurt (from 2-lb container)
4 oz light process American cheese product loaf (from deli), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican 4-cheese blend (4 oz)
1/4 cup Progresso™ plain bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375°F. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package; set aside.
  • In 3-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender. Stir in flour. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly. Remove from heat.
  • Stir in yogurt, stirring constantly. Gently stir in cheeses; stir in pasta. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
  • Bake uncovered about 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 450, Carbohydrate 64 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Fiber 3 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 890 mg, Sugar 10 g, TransFat 0 g

EASY MEXICAN MAC AND CHEESE



Easy Mexican Mac and Cheese image

Creamy, cheesy, spicy...and cooks up easily in your crockpot even if you don't have a kitchen. At your desk at work? Yes! Anywhere with an electrical outlet! This is not one of those "dump and go" recipes as you can't leave your crockpot unattended, but a tastier alternative to boxed mac and cheese. It is not, however, better texture or taste than from-scratch mac and cheese on the stove. This recipe was created for a crockpot cooking contest and truthfully, you will love it even more it you make the recipe in a pot on the stove. You can always transfer to a crockpot for party-style serving. Enjoy!

Provided by FLKeysJen

Categories     Cheese

Time 2h5m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
1/2 cup mexican lager beer (such as Corona)
4 slices bacon, diced
10 ounces rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (not drained)
8 ounces cream cheese
2 cups milk
12 ounces monterey jack pepper cheese, cubed (I used one and a half 8 oz. blocks of KRAFT Natural Pepper Jack)
green onion, sliced
tortilla chips, crushed

Steps:

  • SPRAY crockpot with cooking spray.
  • DUMP pasta, then all other ingredients (except garnishes) in your crockpot.
  • COOK ON HIGH for at least 45 minutes without disturbing; from that point on, stir every half hour or so, checking to see if the pasta is done (based on the reviews it can take anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours). When your pasta is cooked, proceed to Step #4.
  • SERVE -- topped generously with green onions and crushed tortilla chips! Be sure to turn off the crockpot or switch to the warm setting, so the pasta doesn't get mushy.

SIMPLE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Simple Macaroni and Cheese image

A very quick and easy fix to a tasty side-dish. Fancy, designer mac and cheese often costs forty or fifty dollars to prepare when you have so many exotic and expensive cheeses, but they aren't always the best tasting. This recipe is cheap and tasty.

Provided by g0dluvsugly

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (8 ounce) box elbow macaroni
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth, about 5 minutes. Slowly pour milk into butter-flour mixture while continuously stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Add Cheddar cheese to milk mixture and stir until cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.
  • Fold macaroni into cheese sauce until coated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 630.2 calories, Carbohydrate 55 g, Cholesterol 99.6 mg, Fat 33.6 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 26.5 g, SaturatedFat 20.9 g, Sodium 777 mg, Sugar 7.6 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices will give your Mexican mac and cheese the best flavor. If possible, use organic ingredients to avoid pesticides and herbicides.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is the perfect texture for mac and cheese. If you overcook it, it will become mushy and lose its shape.
  • Use a good quality cheese: The cheese is the star of the show in mac and cheese, so it's important to use a good quality cheese that melts well. A sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese is a good choice.
  • Add some spice: Mexican mac and cheese is traditionally made with a little bit of spice. You can add some chili powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper to taste.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many ways to make Mexican mac and cheese. Feel free to add your own favorite ingredients and spices to create a unique dish.

Conclusion:

Mexican mac and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's also a great way to use up leftover pasta and cheese. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and spicy kick, Mexican mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with the whole family. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try!

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »

    #time-to-make     #course     #main-ingredient     #preparation     #main-dish     #eggs-dairy     #cheese     #crock-pot-slow-cooker     #equipment     #4-hours-or-less

Related Topics