Mexican Macaroni and Sausage

Spice up your dinner routine with this bold and hearty Mexican Macaroni and Sausage recipe! This one-pan wonder combines tender elbow macaroni with the smoky heat of chorizo sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a zesty tomato-based sauce infused with chili powder and cumin. Finished with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this cheesy, flavor-packed dish is a crowd-pleasing fusion of comfort food and Mexican-inspired flair. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in just 35 minutes and offers an optional dollop of sour cream to elevate its creamy, tangy profile. Whether you're craving a cozy meal or looking for an easy way to impress your family, this savory skillet dish is sure to deliver!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 12 ounces chorizo sausage (or any spicy sausage)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chorizo sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion and bell peppers (red and green) over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and simmer for 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix it into the tomato mixture.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and toss until everything is evenly combined and heated through.

Step 8

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm. Optionally, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1907.4 grams (1907.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4392

Total Fat 244.70g	314%
Saturated Fat 111.10g	556%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 561mg	187%
Sodium 10089mg	439%
Total Carbohydrate 333.10g	121%
Dietary Fiber 29.70g	106%
Total Sugars 44.10g
Protein 204.80g	410%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2039mg	157%
Iron 23mg	129%
Potassium 3277mg	70%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.6%

Protein: 18.8%

Carbs: 30.6%