Spice up your comfort food game with this Mexican Mac and Cheese, a fusion of creamy, cheesy indulgence paired with bold, south-of-the-border flavors! This easy-to-make recipe features tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich sauce made with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, infused with the heat of diced jalapeños and zesty spices like chili powder and cumin. Succulent crumbled chorizo and juicy diced tomatoes add bursts of flavor, while a crispy topping of crushed tortilla chips (optional) provides the perfect crunch. Ready in just 40 minutes, this crowd-pleaser is ideal for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s a vibrant, irresistible twist on a classic mac and cheese recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, one handful at a time. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the cooked chorizo, diced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top for added crunch.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your Mexican Mac & Cheese!
Serving size | 2122.8 grams (2122.8g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 5150 |
Total Fat 297.00g | 381% |
Saturated Fat 142.60g | 713% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g | |
Cholesterol 697mg | 232% |
Sodium 7929mg | 345% |
Total Carbohydrate 421.10g | 153% |
Dietary Fiber 21.60g | 77% |
Total Sugars 54.40g | |
Protein 208.60g | 417% |
Vitamin D 346IU | 1731% |
Calcium 3511mg | 270% |
Iron 21mg | 116% |
Potassium 2743mg | 58% |
Source of Calories