Chorizo Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Course
Main Course
Chorizo Mac and Cheese
Description
Chorizo Mac and Cheese uses elbow macaroni cooked al dente, mixed with Mexican chorizo cooked until crisp. Diced red onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeños are sautéed to soften before whisking in flour and warmed milk to form a smooth cheese sauce with shredded cheddar and jalapeño-flavored pepper jack cheese. The combination creates a creamy, spicy sauce that coats the pasta evenly. Corn kernels and canned black beans add bursts of sweetness and texture.
The mixture is spread into a baking dish, topped with panko breadcrumbs, and baked until bubbly and golden brown. This casserole delivers a balance of creamy, spicy, and crunchy elements, suitable as a hearty main or side dish for family meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 ounces Mexican chorizo casing removed
- 1 red onion diced, small
- ½ red bell pepper diced
- 2 jalapeños diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk warmed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese shredded, jalapeño flavored
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup black beans canned
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons panko
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil an 8×8 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chorizo and cook until dry and crisp, about 2 minutes, making sure to crumble the chorizo as it cooks. Add red onion, bell pepper and jalapeños and cook until the onions begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Whisk in flour until well combined. Then gradually whisk in milk and cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in cheeses until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in pasta, corn, black beans and lime juice.
- Spread pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle Panko evenly over the top. Place into oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.