Macaroni and Cheese with Mexican Flavors – Recipe!

Comforting, warm with just a hint of spice — Macaroni and Cheese with Mexican Flavors will perk up mealtime.

Macaroni and Cheese is one of those things that either is a holiday food, or something we enjoy during the cooler months of the year as comfort food.  What makes it so appealing is the creaminess of the sauce that wraps each and every noodle to create a soft and warm mouthfeel that’s memorable.  I added some Mexican ingredients to create a cheese sauce that will slightly remind you of a good queso dip.  Green chilies and a freshly sliced tomato are the additions that add great flavor and the cheese blend of pepper jack and cheddar create a spicy twist.

Bake the macaroni and cheese in a deep casserole dish and add another sprinkling of cheese on top before baking for a slightly crispy crust, which adds to the decadence.  It makes a great family-style dish to serve with other foods, or enjoy it all by itself with a green salad.  The leftovers can be reheated for lunches during the week.

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Ingredients

1 pound macaroni pasta

2 tablespoons butter + more for dish

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 1/2 cups low-fat milk

4 cups Mexican cheese blend, or a combination of pepper jack and cheddar, divided

4 ounces canned green chilies, diced

1 large rip tomato, sliced

salt and pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

(Serves 6-8)

To Prepare:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Boil macaroni for 8 minutes and drain.

2. In a large pot over medium heat, add butter and allow it to melt.  Add flour and whisk until combined.  Cook for 1 minute.

3.  Add milk and whisk to combine.  Cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.  Add 3 cups of cheese, and stir until smooth.

4.  Add chilies and tomato, stir.  Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cumin, stir.

5.  Butter a 2 quart casserole dish and pour in pasta.  Top with remaining cheese and cover with foil.  Bake for 20 minutes. remove foil and continue to bake for 8 minutes or until top is slightly browned.

6.  Let rest 7 minutes before serving.  Enjoy!