Tex Mex Mac Chz

Get ready to spice up your weeknight dinner with this irresistible Tex Mex Mac Chz! This hearty, flavor-packed twist on classic mac and cheese combines creamy cheddar, pepper jack, and cream cheese with bold Tex-Mex favorites like diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and optional chorizo or ground beef. A savory blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika takes the cheese sauce to the next level, while optional toppings like pickled jalapeños, green onions, and fresh cilantro add a burst of color and zest. Whether baked to golden perfection or served straight from the stovetop, this Tex Mex mac and cheese is the perfect comfort dish for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that combines creamy indulgence with a zesty kick!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened
• 10 ounces Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 cup Cooked ground beef or chorizo (optional)
• 1 cup Black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup Frozen corn, thawed
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Pickled jalapeños (optional), chopped
• 2 tablespoons Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbly, stirring constantly.

Step 3

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook on medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and cooked ground beef or chorizo (if using). Stir to combine.

Step 6

Season the sauce with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Fold in the cooked macaroni and gently stir until the pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce.

Step 8

Optional: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with additional cheese, and broil for 3–5 minutes until golden and bubbly on top.

Step 9

Serve warm, topped with pickled jalapeños, green onions, and cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2672.3 grams (2672.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5061

Total Fat 273.90g	351%
Saturated Fat 153.30g	767%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.80g
Cholesterol 868mg	289%
Sodium 6694mg	291%
Total Carbohydrate 431.50g	157%
Dietary Fiber 41.30g	148%
Total Sugars 73.80g
Protein 228.60g	457%

Vitamin D 394IU	1971%
Calcium 3644mg	280%
Iron 29mg	163%
Potassium 4009mg	85%

*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: 48.3%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 33.8%