Southwestern Skillet Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in bold, zesty flavors with this Southwestern Skillet Macaroni and Cheese, a one-pan wonder that transforms classic comfort food into a vibrant, Tex-Mex-inspired masterpiece. Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is tossed in a creamy, gooey trio of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, then infused with the punchy kick of diced tomatoes and green chilies, smoky paprika, and warm spices like chili powder and cumin. A medley of sweet corn and protein-packed black beans adds texture and wholesome flair, while the broiled golden crust makes every bite irresistibly decadent. Finished with fresh cilantro and green onions, this dish is ready in just 35 minutes and serves up a show-stopping dinner or crowd-pleasing party hit! Perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings, this Southwestern mac and cheese will have everyone asking for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 ounces cream cheese
• 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large, oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 3

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until it thickens slightly.

Step 4

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid), corn, and black beans to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste if needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, folding gently into the sauce until evenly coated.

Step 8

If desired, preheat the broiler and place the skillet under it for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1898.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3400.2

Total Fat 171.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 103.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 520.0mg	0%
Sodium 5546.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 315.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.1g	0%
Total Sugars 54.3g
Protein 161.6g	0%

Vitamin D 238.7IU	0%
Calcium 3214.9mg	0%
Iron 18.3mg	0%
Potassium 2580.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.8%

Protein: 18.7%

Carbs: 36.5%