With simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes – you can have this delicious Make Ahead Meal. Mexican Macaroni and Cheese brings together the best of both worlds – Mexican flavoring and Mac & Cheese – everyone’s favorite!
I don’t know about your family, but my boys LOVE macaroni and cheese. And they also love Mexican food. So putting the two together and creating a quick and easy meal as a no-brainer.
Like most Mexican recipes, you can make this Macaroni and Cheese mild or spicy. We used mild pork sausage, but you can certainly use hot if you like and the salsa can also have some heat. Or even better, make your own Homemade Salsa. Then only 3 more ingredients – macaroni, chopped onion and cheese and you are done.
Besides the great flavor, I think the thing I like the most about this Mexican Macaroni and Cheese is the fact it can be made ahead, frozen and pulled out for a super easy meal. To freeze: tightly wrap in plastic and then in foil. Thaw in fridge overnight or for several hours on the counter before cooking. Some cooks say that freezing dishes with onions in it is not a good idea, I personally have never had a problem with them. But if you are concerned, you can leave the onions out.
Here are a few more of our favorite Mexican dishes…
Chili Cheese Dip
Slow Cooker Enchiliadas
Fiesta Skillet Dinner
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Mexican Macaroni & Cheese
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A favorite Mac & Cheese gets a little kick.
Ingredients
- 1 box Mostacolli or Rigatoni Pasta
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 jar {16 oz} mild salsa
- 2 packages {8 oz} or 1 {16 oz}shredded cheese, Monterey Jack or your favorite Mexican blend
- Tomato wedges, sliced jalapeno peppers and chopped fresh cilantro {garnish, optional}
- Salsa {served on the side, optional}
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 13×9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray
- Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage and onion until meat is browned and onion is tender
- Stir in salsa
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, half of the sausage mixture and half of the cheese. Repeat layers.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees, bake uncovered for about 20-30 minutes or until bubbly.
- Let stand 10 minutes, then garnish and serve
Notes
To freeze: tightly wrap in plastic and then in foil. Thaw in fridge overnight or for several hours on the counter before cooking.
Note: some cooks say that freezing dishes with onions in it is not a good idea, I personally have never had a problem with them. But if you are concerned, you can leave the onions out.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Dish
5 Comments
Okay, I am so trying this recipe in the next few weeks. We love mexican, and we love mac n’ cheese. This recipe seems perfect!
Your Mexican Mac & cheese looks really good….will have to try it out in my kitchen 🙂
YUM! Oh Liz, that looks amazing!
I think I will try this with ground beef!
The ground beef is a great idea Judy!