If you’re craving something that coils comfort and vibrant Mexican flavors in one irresistible dish, you have to try this Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s the perfect twist on a classic favorite, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy, savory punch from seasoned pork sausage, green chiles, and salsa verde. This hearty, colorful casserole will soon become your go-to for cozy dinners and sharing with friends, bringing warmth and excitement to the dinner table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but crucial to achieving that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory in the Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe. Each addition layers in texture and bursts of flavor that complement one another beautifully.
- 1 pound dry rigatoni pasta: sturdy pasta that holds sauces well and offers great bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: helps brown the sausage and adds subtle richness.
- 16 ounces pork sausage: the main protein with plenty of flavor; remove casings if needed for crumbling.
- ½ onion, chopped: brings sweetness and depth when sautéed with the sausage.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning: introduces classic Mexican spices that elevate every bite.
- 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles: adds a mild, smoky heat that wakes up the dish.
- 16 ounces salsa verde: a tangy, flavorful sauce that blends everything together.
- 16 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese: melts perfectly to create that creamy, cheesy topping and filling.
- Diced cherry tomatoes, for garnish: fresh bursts of color and juiciness.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: adds a bright herbal finish that complements the spices.
How to Make Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want your baking dish ready, so lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray or line it with foil for easy cleanup. This prep helps everything bake evenly and ensures the cheesy topping gets gorgeous and bubbly.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until it’s just al dente—meaning it still has a little bite and won’t turn mushy during baking. Drain it thoroughly to avoid any watery aftermath and set it aside while you prepare the flavorful sausage mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage and Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, and toss in the chopped onion. Cooking these together develops a savory caramelization that forms the heart of this dish’s rich flavor profile.
Step 4: Add Seasoning and Sauce
Once the sausage is mostly cooked, stir in the taco seasoning and chopped green chiles along with their juices. Allow these to mingle for a couple of minutes to really build that bold, spicy character that shines throughout the Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe.
Step 5: Incorporate the Salsa
Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the salsa verde until everything is well blended. This salsa adds moisture and a tangy zest, perfectly tying the sausage and spices together into a luscious sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
Step 6: Layer the Pasta and Cheese
Combine the cooked rigatoni with the sausage mixture, then spoon half the mixture into your prepared dish. Generously sprinkle 8 ounces of the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the pasta, then add the remaining pasta and finish with the remaining cheese. These layers guarantee a melty, cheesy delight in every forkful.
Step 7: Bake and Garnish
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbling with golden edges. For a fresh contrast, sprinkle diced cherry tomatoes and fresh cilantro on top just before serving—it adds amazing color and a crisp freshness that complements the rich casserole beautifully.
How to Serve Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Adding diced cherry tomatoes and fresh cilantro as garnishes not only brings a pop of color but also introduces a refreshing brightness that balances the creamy and spicy richness. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime for an extra zing that feels authentic and lively.
Side Dishes
This Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a side of corn on the cob. The freshness and crunch from lighter sides cut through the richness of the mac and cheese, making the whole meal feel complete and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, you can serve this mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of queso fresco and a small sprig of cilantro. Alternatively, turn it into a loaded mac and cheese bar where guests add toppings like pickled jalapeños, avocado slices, or crispy tortilla strips for made-to-order personalization.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better after resting a bit, but the cheese may firm up, so you’ll want to gently reheat to restore that creamy texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well and makes a fantastic freezer-friendly meal. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Mexican Mac and Cheese in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly again, which restores the delicious melty texture. If using a microwave, cover to prevent drying and heat in short bursts, stirring in between for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works great for holding the sauce, other sturdy pastas like penne, elbow macaroni, or shells will also work beautifully in this recipe.
Is the pork sausage spicy?
It depends on the brand or type you buy. You can choose mild or spicy sausage based on your heat preference, and the taco seasoning also adds a nice kick to the overall flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables like sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or black beans to keep it hearty and flavorful.
What if I don’t have salsa verde?
If salsa verde isn’t on hand, you can substitute with a mild green salsa or even a blend of tomatillo sauce with a hint of lime juice to keep the tangy brightness intact.
How spicy is this Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe?
The spice level is moderate, thanks to the green chiles and taco seasoning. You can adjust the heat by choosing milder or spicier sausages or by adding extra chiles and jalapeños if you like it hotter.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe combines the best of hearty comfort food with the playful, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine, making it a standout for any occasion. It’s so easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, which is why I am excited for you to try it and share it with your loved ones. Trust me, once you’ve had this, it will become a much-loved staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine!
Print
Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Mexican Mac and Cheese is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort food, featuring rigatoni pasta combined with savory pork sausage, zesty taco seasoning, spicy green chiles, and tangy salsa verde. Baked with layers of melted Mexican blend cheese and garnished with fresh cherry tomatoes and cilantro, it delivers a hearty, cheesy, and vibrant casserole perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound dry rigatoni pasta (1 box)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat and Aromatics
- 16 ounces pork sausage (bulk or casings removed)
- ½ onion, chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 envelope)
- 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles (1 can, undrained)
- 16 ounces salsa verde
Cheese
- 16 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese (2 bags)
Garnish
- 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 for easier cleanup. Set the dish aside for later use.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage and Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork sausage and chopped onion. Use a spatula to crumble the sausage as it browns and cook until the sausage is nearly cooked through and the onion is softened.
- Add Seasoning and Sauce: Stir in the taco seasoning and chopped green chiles with their juices. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld well with the sausage mixture.
- Incorporate the Salsa: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the salsa verde thoroughly, combining all ingredients to create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Layer the Pasta and Cheese: Mix the cooked rigatoni pasta into the sausage mixture. In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Sprinkle 8 ounces of shredded Mexican blend cheese over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the remaining 8 ounces of cheese layered evenly.
- Bake and Garnish: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. After baking, garnish with diced cherry tomatoes and fresh cilantro to add freshness and color before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute rigatoni with other sturdy pasta shapes like penne or elbow macaroni.
- For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sausage mixture.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake covered for 40 minutes the next day to reheat thoroughly.
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of taco seasoning or omit the green chiles.
- Use a blend of Mexican cheeses such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso quesadilla for authentic taste.
