Description
This Creamy Queso Mac And Cheese is a vibrant fusion of velvety queso dip and classic mac and cheese, delivering an irresistible cheesy experience. Perfect for cozy nights or potluck gatherings, it’s a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- elbow macaroni or medium shells
- freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese
- sharp cheddar cheese
- American cheese or cream cheese (a couple of ounces)
- Colby Jack cheese (optional)
- Oaxaca cheese (optional)
- whole milk
- heavy cream or half-and-half
- unsalted butter
- all-purpose flour
- minced garlic
- onion powder
- ground cumin
- chili powder
- smoked paprika (optional)
- cayenne pepper (optional)
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- canned diced mild green chilies (drained)
- finely diced pickled jalapeños (optional)
- cooked and seasoned ground beef (optional)
- fresh lime juice (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until it's al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. Do not rinse.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste forms.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream (or half-and-half) into the roux. Continue to whisk as the mixture heats up and thickens, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Bring it to a gentle simmer, but do not let it boil rapidly.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. If using cayenne pepper or smoked paprika, add them now. Let it simmer gently for another minute.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Begin adding your grated cheeses, a handful at a time, whisking constantly until each addition is fully melted and smooth. Stir in the diced green chilies and pickled jalapeños, if using.
- Add the drained, cooked pasta directly into the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated in the queso sauce. If using ground beef, stir it in now.
- Ladle generous portions into bowls and serve your Creamy Queso Mac And Cheese piping hot! Garnish with fresh cilantro or extra diced jalapeños if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: For the best results, always grate your own cheese from a block to avoid gritty sauce. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens the flavors and keeps the sauce smooth.