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Mexican Mac and Cheese in a skillet with cilantro sprinkled on the top.
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Mexican Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef

Creamy Mexican mac and cheese made with ground beef, enchilada sauce, and Rotel. This easy stovetop dinner comes together in under 30 minutes with a simple homemade cheese sauce.
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces pasta rotini, shells, or penne
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 10 oz can red enchilada sauce
  • 1 10 oz can Rotel (original) undrained
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ¼ cup milk

Optional toppings:

  • Diced avocado
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Green onions
  • Crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  • Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
    8 ounces pasta
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains, breaking it up as it cooks. (Drain excess grease as needed.) Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
    1 pound ground beef, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Add the enchilada sauce and Rotel (with juices). Stir and simmer for 3–5 minutes to heat through and combine the flavors.
    1 10 oz can red enchilada sauce, 1 10 oz can Rotel (original)
  • Reduce heat to low. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
    4 ounces cream cheese
  • Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat.
  • Add milk and mix in the cheddar and Monterey Jack until melted and creamy.
    1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, ¼ cup milk
  • Serve with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips.
    Diced avocado, Chopped cilantro, Sliced jalapeños, Green onions, Crushed tortilla chips

Notes

Store any leftover pasta in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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