Rotel Macaroni and Cheese

Take your classic comfort food to the next level with this irresistible Rotel Macaroni and Cheese recipe! This dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, then amps up the flavor with spicy Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. Perfectly seasoned with a touch of salt, pepper, and optional paprika for garnish, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Whether served as a hearty main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this Rotel Mac and Cheese is sure to be a hit with its bold, zesty twist on a beloved classic.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
• 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 3

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to combine. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth.

Step 5

Stir in the drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce is evenly combined.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If desired, sprinkle with paprika for a touch of color and flavor.

Step 8

Serve the Rotel Macaroni and Cheese warm as a side dish or enjoy it as a main entree.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1660.5 grams (1660.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3858

Total Fat 256.00g	328%
Saturated Fat 157.10g	786%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.50g
Cholesterol 763mg	254%
Sodium 5623mg	244%
Total Carbohydrate 237.90g	87%
Dietary Fiber 11.60g	41%
Total Sugars 38.20g
Protein 137.40g	275%

Vitamin D 287IU	1434%
Calcium 3065mg	236%
Iron 13mg	71%
Potassium 1552mg	33%

*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: 60.5%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 25.0%