Best 10 South Of The Border Mac Cheese Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Are you looking for a flavorful twist to the classic mac and cheese dish? Look no further than the vibrant and zesty "South of the Border Mac and Cheese." This recipe combines the traditional comfort food with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine, creating a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy dish that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that brings together two worlds of flavors in perfect harmony, transforming a familiar dish into a south-of-the-border fiesta.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SOUTHWEST MAC & CHEESE WITH OPTIONAL CHICKEN



Southwest Mac & Cheese with Optional Chicken image

A south-of-the-border twist on classic mac and cheese. Black beans, corn, mild green chilies (or hot, depending on your preference), chili powder, and optional chunks of chicken for the meat-eaters join up with an uber-creamy, cheesy pasta topped with a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips. And then baked to perfection.

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 18

8 oz. 1/2 pound or about 1 3/4 cups macaroni or other medium tubular pasta (like pennette or penne)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table salt)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus more for sprinkling on top)
2 1/2 cups milk (I like 2% milk best, but whole works too)
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 4- ounce can mild green chilies
1 15- ounce can black beans (drained and rinsed (or 2 cups cooked black beans))
1/3 cup crushed tortilla chips (about 3/4 cup whole)
1/2 pound boneless (skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced*)
1 pound boneless (skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced*)

Steps:

  • Boil the pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking, and return to the pan you boiled it in. Set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Set out six individual, oven-safe ramekins or gratin dishes for individual servings, two 5"x8" baking dishes if you're cooking up one dish with meat and one without, or an 8"x8"/two-quart baking dish if cooking it all in one big batch.
  • In a medium bowl, toss together the cheddar, monterey jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Set aside.
  • Over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, salt, dry mustard, chili powder, pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir constantly over medium heat for about three minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk. Continuing over medium heat, whisk frequently for about 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens (as the sauce gets thicker, I recommend going from frequent stirs to constant stirs to help avoid burning).
  • Remove from heat, and stir in 2 cups of the cheese. Continue stirring until cheese is melted, then add the green chilies and corn. Stir until combined. Select your version from the options below to continue.

SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER MAC AND CHEESE



South-of-the-Border Mac and Cheese image

Mac and cheese with a little bit of spice.

Provided by henrythe8thiam

Categories     Mexican Recipes

Time 2h25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 ½ cups rotini pasta
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
8 ounces American cheese, cut into cubes
4 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chile peppers, drained
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
5 green onions, sliced

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
  • Combine the rotini pasta, evaporated milk, American cheese, Cheddar cheese, canned green chiles, and chili powder in a slow cooker.
  • Cook on High, stirring twice, for 2 hours.
  • Stir tomatoes and green onions through the pasta mixture.
  • Continue cooking until the tomatoes are hot, 5 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 675.4 calories, Carbohydrate 55.9 g, Cholesterol 110.5 mg, Fat 35.5 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 34.2 g, SaturatedFat 21.7 g, Sodium 1471.5 mg, Sugar 14.3 g

SOUTH OF THE BORDER MAC AND CHEESE



South of the Border Mac and Cheese image

Make and share this South of the Border Mac and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by quiltlow

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 2h5m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

5 cups cooked rotini
1 cup cubed American cheese
1 cup cubed monterey jack cheese
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup diced green chilis
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 medium tomatoes, seeded & chopped
5 green onions, chopped

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients except tomatoes and green onions in slow cooker. Mix well.
  • Cover and cook on High for 2 hours, stirring twice.
  • Stir in tomatoes and green onion and continue cooking until hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 596.6, Fat 24.6, SaturatedFat 14.6, Cholesterol 73.1, Sodium 813.3, Carbohydrate 64.8, Fiber 5.1, Sugar 4.4, Protein 29.3

SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER MAC AND CHEESE



South-of-the-Border Mac and Cheese image

Spice up your macaroni dinner with this special recipe. Our South-of-the-Border Mac and Cheese includes spicy Mexican chorizo, green chiles and more.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Pork

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/2 lb. Mexican chorizo
1 pkg. (7-1/4 oz.) KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
1-1/4 cups water
1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Colby & Monterey Jack Cheeses

Steps:

  • Crumble chorizo into large nonstick skillet; cook on medium heat until done, stirring frequently. Drain chorizo; return to skillet.
  • Add Macaroni, tomatoes and water; stir. Bring to boil; simmer on medium-low heat 15 min. or until macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally
  • Add Cheese Sauce Mix; stir until blended. Top with shredded cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, TransFat 0.5 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Sodium 1310 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 17 g

SOUTH OF THE BORDER MACARONI AND CHEESE



South of the Border Macaroni and Cheese image

Make a whole meal of your box of mac and cheese with the addition of ground beef. This recipe makes it a slightly picante meal, too, by the addition of a can of Ro-Tel tomatoes.

Provided by Lorraine of AZ

Categories     Cheese

Time 35m

Yield 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 (7 1/4 ounce) package macaroni & cheese dinner mix
1 lb ground sirloin beef
1 (10 ounce) can ro-tel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional) or cheese mexican cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • Make up the macaroni and cheese dinner as directed on the package.
  • Brown ground sirloin over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef. Drain fat and add the can of tomatoes with chiles. Mix well. Lower heat to low and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add one-half of the beef mixture to the prepared macaroni and cheese. Add the remaining beef to a 2-quart baking dish, spreading evenly. Gently spoon the macaroni mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle cheese over the top, if desired.
  • Bake, uncovered, until hot and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
  • Variation: Instead of layering part of the crumbled beef in the bottom of the baking dish, the entire amount may be added to the prepared macaroni and cheese. Stir to combine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 159.8, Fat 1.4, SaturatedFat 0.5, Cholesterol 2.9, Sodium 540.1, Carbohydrate 30.5, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 4, Protein 6.5

SOUTH OF THE BORDER CASSEROLE



South of the Border Casserole image

An easy and family pleasing casserole that's on the table in less than 45 minutes. I serve this with a guacamole salad, or a green salad with slices of avocado.

Provided by PanNan

Categories     Cheese

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 jalapeno, minced (optional or more to taste)
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 corn tortillas, cut in half
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (8 oz)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 and grease 1 1/2 qrt casserole dish.
  • Brown meat and drain.
  • Add onion and jalapeno (if using) and cook with meat until tender.
  • Stir in tomato sauce and seasonings.
  • Layer one-third of meat mixture, cheese and one half of tortillas in casserole dish; repeat layers, ending with cheese.
  • Bake at 325 for 20 minutes.
  • Note: Corn tortillas will soften and absorb the sauce.
  • These are recommended.
  • Flour tortillas will expand and the casserole will be too doughy-therefore flour tortillas are not recommended.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 601.9, Fat 37.4, SaturatedFat 18.8, Cholesterol 136.4, Sodium 1351, Carbohydrate 28.5, Fiber 5, Sugar 6.6, Protein 39.2

SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER MAC AND CHEESE



South-of-the-Border Mac and Cheese image

Mac and cheese with a little bit of spice.

Provided by henrythe8thiam

Categories     Mexican Recipes

Time 2h25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 ½ cups rotini pasta
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
8 ounces American cheese, cut into cubes
4 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chile peppers, drained
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
5 green onions, sliced

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
  • Combine the rotini pasta, evaporated milk, American cheese, Cheddar cheese, canned green chiles, and chili powder in a slow cooker.
  • Cook on High, stirring twice, for 2 hours.
  • Stir tomatoes and green onions through the pasta mixture.
  • Continue cooking until the tomatoes are hot, 5 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 675.4 calories, Carbohydrate 55.9 g, Cholesterol 110.5 mg, Fat 35.5 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 34.2 g, SaturatedFat 21.7 g, Sodium 1471.5 mg, Sugar 14.3 g

SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER MAC AND CHEESE



South-of-the-Border Mac and Cheese image

Mac and cheese with a little bit of spice.

Provided by henrythe8thiam

Categories     Mexican Recipes

Time 2h25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 ½ cups rotini pasta
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
8 ounces American cheese, cut into cubes
4 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chile peppers, drained
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
5 green onions, sliced

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
  • Combine the rotini pasta, evaporated milk, American cheese, Cheddar cheese, canned green chiles, and chili powder in a slow cooker.
  • Cook on High, stirring twice, for 2 hours.
  • Stir tomatoes and green onions through the pasta mixture.
  • Continue cooking until the tomatoes are hot, 5 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 675.4 calories, Carbohydrate 55.9 g, Cholesterol 110.5 mg, Fat 35.5 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 34.2 g, SaturatedFat 21.7 g, Sodium 1471.5 mg, Sugar 14.3 g

SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER MAC AND CHEESE



South-of-the-Border Mac and Cheese image

Mac and cheese with a little bit of spice.

Provided by henrythe8thiam

Categories     Mexican Recipes

Time 2h25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 ½ cups rotini pasta
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
8 ounces American cheese, cut into cubes
4 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chile peppers, drained
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
5 green onions, sliced

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
  • Combine the rotini pasta, evaporated milk, American cheese, Cheddar cheese, canned green chiles, and chili powder in a slow cooker.
  • Cook on High, stirring twice, for 2 hours.
  • Stir tomatoes and green onions through the pasta mixture.
  • Continue cooking until the tomatoes are hot, 5 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 675.4 calories, Carbohydrate 55.9 g, Cholesterol 110.5 mg, Fat 35.5 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 34.2 g, SaturatedFat 21.7 g, Sodium 1471.5 mg, Sugar 14.3 g

SOUTH-OF-THE-BORDER MAC AND CHEESE



South-of-the-Border Mac and Cheese image

Mac and cheese with a little bit of spice.

Provided by henrythe8thiam

Categories     Mexican Recipes

Time 2h25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 ½ cups rotini pasta
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
8 ounces American cheese, cut into cubes
4 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chile peppers, drained
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
5 green onions, sliced

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
  • Combine the rotini pasta, evaporated milk, American cheese, Cheddar cheese, canned green chiles, and chili powder in a slow cooker.
  • Cook on High, stirring twice, for 2 hours.
  • Stir tomatoes and green onions through the pasta mixture.
  • Continue cooking until the tomatoes are hot, 5 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 675.4 calories, Carbohydrate 55.9 g, Cholesterol 110.5 mg, Fat 35.5 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 34.2 g, SaturatedFat 21.7 g, Sodium 1471.5 mg, Sugar 14.3 g

Tips:

  • Use a variety of cheeses. This will give your mac and cheese a more complex flavor. A good combination is cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is the best choice for mac and cheese.
  • Make a roux. This will help to thicken the cheese sauce and give it a smooth consistency.
  • Use milk or cream. Milk will give you a lighter cheese sauce, while cream will give you a richer, more decadent sauce.
  • Add some spice. A little bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder can add a nice kick to your mac and cheese.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. There are endless possibilities when it comes to making mac and cheese. Try adding different ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or seafood.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With so many different variations available, there's sure to be a mac and cheese recipe that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these recipes a try.

Related Topics