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If you're craving comfort food with a twist, this Mexican Mac and Cheese Casserole is your go-to dish. It's a hearty blend of elbow macaroni, ground beef, and Mexican cheese blend, all jazzed up with taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Topped with crunchy tortilla chips, this casserole is a fiesta in every bite. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let's dive in!
The name of the recipe: Mexican Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can drained diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and water according to the seasoning packet instructions. Simmer for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, ground beef mixture, diced tomatoes with green chilies, milk, sour cream, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What You Will Need for This Delicious Dish
Read more: Italian Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make Mexican Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Elbow macaroni: Provides the base, absorbing flavors and adding a comforting, chewy texture to the casserole.
- Shredded mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully, creating a creamy, gooey layer that ties all ingredients together.
- Milk: Adds creaminess, helping to blend the cheese and other ingredients smoothly.
- Sour cream: Contributes tanginess and richness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds a spicy, tangy kick, balancing the richness of the cheese and beef.
- Ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory element, making the dish more filling and flavorful.
- Taco seasoning: Infuses the beef with classic Mexican flavors, adding depth and spice.
- Crushed tortilla chips: Adds a crunchy topping, contrasting nicely with the creamy, cheesy interior.
Essential Tools and Instruments
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Mexican Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Saucepan: Used to brown the ground beef and mix in the taco seasoning.
- Large bowl: Needed to combine macaroni, beef mixture, tomatoes, milk, sour cream, and cheese.
- Baking dish: Holds the casserole mixture for baking in the oven.
- Colander: Drains the cooked macaroni before mixing with other ingredients.
- Oven: Bakes the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Mexican Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
A delicious twist on classic mac and cheese with a Mexican flair.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 2 cups Shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1 can Diced tomatoes with green chilies drained
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 packet Taco seasoning
- 1 cup Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and water according to the seasoning packet instructions. Simmer for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, ground beef mixture, diced tomatoes with green chilies, milk, sour cream, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and crushed tortilla chips.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. You can also add some jalapeños for extra heat.
Read more: Ham Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole up to the baking step.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole but don't bake it.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if needed.
For a smoky twist, try adding a teaspoon of chipotle powder to the ground beef mixture. It gives the casserole a deeper, more complex flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne or rotini works well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, prepare it up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Sure, ground turkey or chicken are good alternatives.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Add extra diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, cheddar or Monterey Jack are great substitutes.
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