Southwestern Macaroni And Cheese
A flavorful Southwestern-inspired macaroni and cheese with vegetables, melted American cheese, and a hint of spice, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 7 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. margarine or butter ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 16 oz. Green Giant American mixtures Santa Fe style frozen corn, red and green peppers, thawed
- 6 oz. shredded American cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni to desired doneness as directed on the package. Drain and rinse with hot water. Set aside.
- Melt margarine or butter in the same saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in flour, onion powder, salt, oregano, and cayenne pepper; blend well.
- Cook until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually stir in milk.
- Cook until the mixture thickens and boils, stirring constantly.
- Add the thawed vegetables and shredded American cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni.
- Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also add diced jalapeños for extra heat or substitute the American cheese with cheddar for a sharper flavor. If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking. This recipe is great for using up leftover vegetables, so feel free to throw in any extras you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
This Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese pairs beautifully with a side salad or cornbread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish. Consider offering a topping bar with options like diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream for added flavor. It also makes a fantastic dish for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to the macaroni and cheese, then microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit more milk as needed to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 468 calories, with 12g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value), calcium (52% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2307mg per serving (100% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese ahead of time. Just follow the recipe up to the point of combining the macaroni with the cheese sauce. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it when you’re ready to serve. If you do this, add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as shells, penne, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions, and make sure to drain and rinse it well before adding to the cheese sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese is vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the margarine or butter you use is also vegetarian, and feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more nutrition. It's a delicious way to incorporate more vegetarian recipes into your meal rotation.
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).