Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and ooey-gooey cheesiness, then this Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe is going to become your new comfort food obsession. Blending the creamy richness of melted Mexican blend cheese with the smoky, spiced goodness of pork sausage and tangy salsa verde, every bite is a celebration of vibrant, south-of-the-border flair. This recipe takes classic mac and cheese to a whole new level, offering a perfect balance between hearty pasta and exciting Mexican-inspired ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in the simplicity and harmony of its ingredients. Each element plays a key role—whether it’s the tender rigatoni providing the perfect pasta vehicle, the flavorful pork sausage adding savory depth, or the green chiles bringing a subtle kick. Let’s dive into the essentials that make this dish shine.
- 1 pound dry rigatoni pasta: The perfect tube-shaped pasta to trap all that cheesy sauce and meaty goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle richness without overpowering other flavors.
- 16 ounces pork sausage: Choose bulk or remove casings; this adds smoky, savory depth and texture.
- ½ onion, chopped: Provides a sweet and aromatic base to complement the sausage.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 envelope): Brings classic Mexican spices to elevate the entire dish.
- 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles (1 can, undrained): Adds a mild heat and a pop of vibrant flavor.
- 16 ounces salsa verde: Infuses tangy, zesty notes that keep the recipe bright and lively.
- 16 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese (2 bags): The star of the show—melts perfectly, combining sharpness and creaminess.
- Diced cherry tomatoes, for garnish: Adds freshness and a juicy contrast to the rich layers.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Provides a fresh herbal lift that ties the whole dish together.
How to Make Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with foil for easier cleanup. Next, cook the rigatoni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it reaches al dente—perfectly tender but still chewy. Drain it thoroughly and set aside to keep the texture spot on for baking.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Onion
While your pasta is working its magic, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork sausage and chopped onion, breaking up the sausage with a spatula. Cook everything until the sausage is browned and the onion softens, creating a fragrant, savory base for this delicious dish.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Chiles
When the sausage is nearly cooked, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and toss in the chopped green chiles along with their juices. Stir everything together and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to allow those bold spices and smoky chiles to mingle beautifully with the meat.
Step 4: Mix in the Salsa Verde
Remove the skillet from heat and pour in the salsa verde, stirring until every bit is combined. This mixture is where the vibrant tang and subtle heat come from, making your Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe truly unforgettable and bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Layer the Pasta, Sausage Mixture, and Cheese
Combine your cooked rigatoni with the sausage and salsa mixture, then begin assembling in the baking dish. Layer half of the pasta mixture, sprinkle 8 ounces of the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top, add the rest of the pasta, and finish with another even layer of cheese. Trust me, layering like this ensures that gooey cheese pull in every forkful.
Step 6: Bake and Garnish
Pop the assembled dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. For that final touch, sprinkle diced cherry tomatoes and fresh cilantro over the top right before serving. These garnishes brighten each bite and provide a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich, cheesy layers.
How to Serve Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh diced cherry tomatoes and chopped cilantro is a simple way to introduce freshness and vibrant color that brighten the dish. You could also sprinkle some sliced jalapeños or a squeeze of lime for an extra kick and zesty finish. These small touches elevate the experience, making every bite feel like a celebration.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Roasted vegetables or a bowl of black beans and corn salsa also complement the dish beautifully, adding texture and layers of fresh, healthy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in oven-safe ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a rustic and charming presentation. You can even turn this into a festive potluck dish by topping with crunchy tortilla strips or crushed chili-lime puffs for added texture. The possibilities to impress your guests are truly endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe tastes just as fantastic the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh. Be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish after baking for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, usually around 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave also works well—just cover loosely and heat in short intervals to keep that cheesy goodness melted but not rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works great due to its shape, you can also use penne, elbow macaroni, or even shells—anything that holds onto the sauce and cheese will be delicious.
Is this dish very spicy?
This Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe has a mild to moderate kick thanks to the green chiles and taco seasoning, but you can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot green chiles and modifying the seasoning amount to your preference.
Can I substitute the pork sausage with another protein?
Yes, ground beef, turkey, or chicken sausage are excellent alternatives and will still deliver great flavor. For a vegetarian option, consider crumbled tempeh or cooked lentils with extra spices.
What cheese works best if I can’t find Mexican blend cheese?
You can make your own blend using cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla or even add a little mozzarella for meltiness. The key is balancing sharpness with creaminess.
Can I prepare the dish entirely in advance?
You can assemble the dish a few hours before baking and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it fresh so the cheese melts perfectly and textures stay vibrant, ensuring a delicious experience every time.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that combines the comforting familiarity of classic mac and cheese with exciting Mexican flavors that make every bite a little adventure. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So grab those ingredients and dig in—you’re in for a deliciously cheesy ride!
Print
Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Mexican Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy melted cheese with flavorful sausage, green chiles, and salsa verde to create a comforting and zesty baked pasta dish. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, it features layers of rigatoni pasta, spicy pork sausage, and a Mexican cheese blend, baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh cherry tomatoes and cilantro.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound dry rigatoni pasta (1 box)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 ounces pork sausage (bulk or casings removed)
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 envelope)
- 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles (1 can, undrained)
- 16 ounces salsa verde
For the Cheese and Garnish
- 16 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese (2 bags)
- Diced cherry tomatoes, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with foil to ensure easy cleanup. Set the dish aside for later layering.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage and Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork sausage and chopped onion, breaking up the sausage with a spatula as it cooks until it is mostly browned and cooked through.
- Add Seasoning and Sauce: Stir in the taco seasoning and the chopped green chiles (including their juices). Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Incorporate the Salsa Verde: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the salsa verde thoroughly, forming a flavorful base sauce mixture.
- Layer the Pasta and Cheese: Combine the drained rigatoni with the sausage mixture. Spread half of this mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 8 ounces of shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then finish with the remaining 8 ounces of cheese on top.
- Bake and Garnish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and garnish with diced cherry tomatoes and fresh cilantro before serving for added freshness and color.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of milk or cream to the sausage mixture before layering.
- If preferred, substitute pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially, as it will bake further in the oven.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or green chiles to control the spice level as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
