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Cheesy Cowboy Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Cowboy Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy dish that features a bold combination of seasoned ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. This hearty casserole-style meal combines pasta with spicy jalapeños, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, all smothered in a rich cheese sauce and finished under the broiler for a bubbly golden crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • ½ pound lean ground beef
  • ½ cup minced onion
  • 1 whole seeded diced jalapeño
  • ½ cup canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • ½ cup drained black beans
  • ½ cup drained corn

Pasta

  • 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Topping

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the uncooked elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Cook Meat and Vegetables: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef, minced onion, and diced jalapeño until the beef is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess grease and return the skillet to heat.
  3. Make Roux: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and stir to melt. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a thick paste, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  4. Add Liquids and Veggies: Slowly whisk in the whole milk, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and corn. Stir continuously and cook until the mixture is heated through, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Reduce heat to medium and add shredded cheddar cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and combined.
  6. Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir thoroughly to combine. Cook for a few more minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the cheese sauce.
  7. Broil Topping: Preheat the oven broiler on HIGH. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese topping evenly over the mac and cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm, enjoying the creamy and hearty cowboy mac and cheese.

Notes

  • For extra heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add additional chili powder.
  • Use a large oven-safe skillet to eliminate transferring casserole and ensure even cooking.
  • Feel free to substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans for variation.
  • Broil cheese topping carefully to prevent burning; do not leave unattended.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead by assembling everything except the topping, refrigerating, then broiling just before serving.
  • To make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef and increase the beans or add meat substitutes.

Find it online: https://linadinner.com/cheesy-cowboy-mac-and-cheese-recipe/