Mexicali Macaroni
A flavorful Mexican-inspired macaroni dish with ground beef, corn, and tomatoes, perfect for a hearty family meal or casual dinner with bold, spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni until tender but still firm, about 5 minutes.
- While the macaroni is cooking, brown the ground beef in a frying pan over high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Drain off the fat from the browned beef.
- Add the Mexican-style corn, chopped tomatoes, and chili powder to the beef, and cook until heated through.
- Drain the cooked macaroni and add it to the beef mixture, stirring well to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese to the beef mixture just before combining with the macaroni. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten the dish. Adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños can enhance the flavor. If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili powder to suit your taste. This dish is perfect for those who love flavorful Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mexicali Macaroni with a side of crispy tortilla chips or a fresh green salad. It pairs beautifully with Charlotte'S Taco Salad for a complete meal. For added flavor, top with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream. Garnishing with fresh cilantro can also elevate the dish's presentation and taste.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexicali Macaroni contains roughly 412 calories, with 16g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (280% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 880mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and cook the macaroni in advance. Combine them just before serving to maintain the pasta's texture. Store each component separately in the refrigerator, and then mix them together when ready to serve.
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can vary in how long it takes to become tender. This makes the dish accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
You can incorporate various vegetables such as diced zucchini, spinach, or black beans to boost the nutritional value. Adding these ingredients will complement the flavors and add color to your Mexicali Macaroni.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).