Best 8 Western Mac Recipes

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**Western Mac: A Culinary Journey Through Three Flavorful Recipes**

Embark on a culinary adventure with Western Mac, a versatile dish that takes center stage in three distinct recipes. From the classic American comfort food to a zesty Mexican-inspired twist and a hearty vegetarian delight, Western Mac offers a symphony of flavors to tantalize your taste buds. Dive into the creamy goodness of Traditional Western Mac, where tender macaroni pasta is smothered in a velvety cheese sauce, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust. Experience a burst of vibrant flavors with Mexican Western Mac, where ground beef, zesty salsa, and a blend of Mexican spices create a fiesta in every bite. For a meatless indulgence, Vegetarian Western Mac showcases a medley of colorful vegetables, tossed in a rich tomato-based sauce, and finished with a sprinkle of melted cheese. Each recipe promises a unique culinary experience, showcasing the versatility and deliciousness of Western Mac.

Let's cook with our recipes!

WESTERN MACARONI AND CHEESE DINNER



Western Macaroni and Cheese Dinner image

Can't remember if I got this off the Mac 'N Cheese box or where. It's a great way to change up plain old mac 'N cheese. Comfort food! If you have leftover fresh broccoli stems, chop them up and drop them in the boiling water with the noodles. I adjusted the recipe a bit.

Provided by WI Cheesehead

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (7 1/4 ounce) box prepared macaroni and cheese (pref. organic or natural)
1 cup chopped broccoli
1 lb ground turkey or 1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 cup celery, sliced
1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 cups corn, thawed if frozen
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Prepare Macaroni & Cheese as package directs, adding fresh chopped broccoli, if using, in with the noodles.
  • In a large ovenproof skillet (cast iron), brown meat, celery, green pepper and onion; cook until tender. Drain grease.
  • Stir in corn, tomato paste, water, garlic salt, salt (if using) and pepper. Add noodle dinner; mix well.
  • Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bake at 350° F, 15 to 20 minute Or in microwave oven for 8 to 10 minute.

SOUTHWEST MAC AND CHEESE



Southwest Mac and Cheese image

This Mexican-inspired dish features ingredients loved in all cultures: cheese, pasta and corn!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 22m

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 1/3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta (8 ounces)
1 cup Old El Paso™ salsa (any variety)
1 1/2 cups milk
1 can (14.75 ounces) cream-style corn
1 can (11 ounces) whole kernel corn with red and green peppers
1 loaf (8 oz. box) VELVEETA™ Original Cheese, cubed

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients except cheese in 12-inch nonstick skillet. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat.
  • Cover and simmer 10 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently, until macaroni is tender. Stir in cheese until melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 425, Carbohydrate 58 g, Cholesterol 40 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 5 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1030 mg

WESTERN MAC



Western Mac image

I found this recipe off of a box of Western Family Macaroni & Cheese. It sounded so good that I had to make it, and when I did, my family loved it. This is also the type of recipe that kids will love and ask for over and over. Personally, I like the ease of how it comes together and also any leftovers the next night are great....

Provided by Jeanne Gliddon

Categories     Casseroles

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

7 1/4 oz box of macaroni & cheese
1 lb ground beef
1/2 c sliced celery
1/4 c chopped onion
2 c whole kernel corn, drained
8 oz can tomato paste
1/2 c water
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/2 c grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • 1. Gather all of your ingredients.
  • 2. Prepare Macaroni and Cheese Dinner as directed on box.
  • 3. Brown meat, celery and onion.
  • 4. Stir in corn, tomato paste, water, salt and pepper.
  • 5. Add macaroni and cheese and mix well.
  • 6. Pour into a two quart casserole and sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese on top. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Can also be left in iron skillet and baked. This is how I now do it thanks to Cassie's suggestion!
  • 7. Serve and enjoy!

WESTERN MAC



Western Mac image

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Recipes

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Dinner
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cups (1 lb. can) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1 tsp salt
Dash of pepper

Steps:

  • Prepare Kraft Macaroni and Cheese as directed.
  • Brown meat, celery, green pepper and onion, cook until tender. Stir in corn, tomato paste, water, salt and pepper. Add Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Dinner; mix well.
  • Pour into 2-qt. casserole; bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 0 g, Fat 0 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 0 g, Sodium 0 g, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 0 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 0 g

WESTERN MACARONI



Western Macaroni image

This is a very inexpensive, easy, and well-rounded dish sure to feed the heartiest of appetites. VERY bachelor and college-student friendly!:) I used to absolutley LOVE this dish when I was younger (before I decided to forgo the red-meat thing), but my family still enjoys it often.(I'm thinking of trying it with chicken?!?!) Let me know how it turns out if you do!!

Provided by Manda

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 30m

Yield 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 package macaroni and cheese mix
1 lb hamburger
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Prepare macaroni and cheese according to pkg.
  • directions.
  • Brown meat, green pepper, and onion.
  • Cook until veggies are tender and meat is cooked through.
  • Stir in corn, tomato paste, water, salt, and pepper.
  • Add prepared macaroni and cheese dinner and mix well.
  • Simmer 10-15 minutes.

COWBOY MACARONI



Cowboy Macaroni image

A favorite meal of any cowboy. Includes a hearty combination of lean ground beef, macaroni, cheese, and a tomato sauce that will make you jump up and click your spurs together.

Provided by D. Carnes

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (14 ounce) package macaroni and cheese
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
1 (10 ounce) can canned whole kernel corn
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 (10 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 small onion, chopped
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (220 degrees C). Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the directions on the package.
  • Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
  • In a 2 quart casserole dish, combine the macaroni and cheese, ground beef, onion, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and corn with its liquid. Mix well.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until heated through. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 506.5 calories, Carbohydrate 62.2 g, Cholesterol 63.6 mg, Fat 16.7 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 28.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.9 g, Sodium 1220 mg, Sugar 13.8 g

WAGON WHEEL WESTERN BBQ MAC & CHEESE



Wagon Wheel Western BBQ Mac & Cheese image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h5m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Unsalted butter, for buttering the baking dish
Kosher salt
1 pound wagon wheel pasta
Two 12-ounce cans evaporated milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
8 ounces sharp Cheddar, freshly grated (2 cups)
8 ounces foil-wrapped shelf-stable cheese such as Velveeta, grated or cubed (2 cups)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
6 ounces smoked mozzarella, shredded
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
One 8-ounce bag kettle-cooked barbecue flavored potato chips, crushed fine

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season with a generous amount of salt. Boil the pasta until al dente, 2 to 3 minutes less than the package instructions.
  • Meanwhile, in a large pot over medium heat, add the evaporated milk and Dijon and whisk together. Bring to a simmer. Toss the Cheddar, shelf-stable cheese and cornstarch together in a bowl until totally coated. Stir into the sauce cheese and heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is silky and smooth, about 5 minutes.
  • Drain the pasta, then add to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle an even layer of the mozzarella over the top. Drizzle the barbecue sauce over the cheese, and top with a thick layer of crumbled potato chips.
  • Bake, uncovered, until gooey and bubbling, 30 to 35 minutes. Serve hot.

SOUTHWESTERN MACARONI SALAD



Southwestern Macaroni Salad image

From Standish, Maine, Nancy Clancy writes, "This salad is like having salsa mixed with macaroni--it's yummy! It serves a lot, which makes it a great side for any gathering. I sometimes add a little cayenne pepper for those who like it hot.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 package (16 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
1 pound cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 cup lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, corn, green pepper, red onion and olives., In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the lime juice, oil, vinegar and seasonings; shake well. Pour over pasta mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 163 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 205mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Choose the right pasta: Western mac is typically made with elbow macaroni, but you can use any short pasta that you like, such as penne, shells, or farfalle.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: This means that the pasta should be cooked until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and will not hold its shape well in the casserole.
  • Use a flavorful cheese: The cheese is one of the most important ingredients in Western mac, so be sure to use a cheese that has a lot of flavor. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Gouda.
  • Add some vegetables: Vegetables add color, flavor, and nutrients to Western mac. Some popular vegetables to add include bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and broccoli.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many different ways to make Western mac, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. You might be surprised at what you create!

Conclusion:

Western mac is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover pasta and vegetables, and it can also be made ahead of time and reheated. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dish to serve at a party, Western mac is a great option.

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