southern mexican mac and cheese casserole

Name: Southern Mexican Mac and Cheese Casserole
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 box(es) rotini pasta; 1/2 stick(s) butter; 1 1/2 cup(s) milk; 12 ounce(s) Velveeta cheese; 4 ounce(s) cream cheese; 1/2 cup(s) plain yogurt; 2 tablespoon(s) olive oil; 2 medium jalapeno peppers; 1/2 tablespoon(s) roasted minced garlic in olive oil; 5 medium plum tomatoes, diced; 1 1/2 cup(s) crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon(s) Adobo powder; 1/4 teaspoon(s) cumin; 1/2 teaspoon(s) cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tablespoon(s) chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon(s) onion powder; 5 - pieces leftover fried chicken thighs, if you don't have this you can boil and debone some; 1 1/2 cup(s) shredded cheddar cheese

(4 RATINGS)

719 Pinches 16 Photos

Cynthia Rivers Martinez

Dothan, AL

Updated on Jan 17, 2025

I started making Lynn Socko's mac and cheese and it turned into inspiration to create a new dish. I hope y'all enjoy it. My honey said I outdid myself this time.

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Southern Mexican Mac and Cheese Casserole on serving plates.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Southern Mexican mac and cheese casserole is a fantastic meal the whole family will love. The fiesta-infused chicken and tomato layer is a good base for the dish. It has a punch of flavor from jalapenos and tomatoes. The next layer is thick, creamy, and cheesy. Everything you want from macaroni and cheese. Terrific creativity... and a terrific recipe!

— The Test Kitchen

prep time 30 Min

cook time 35 Min

method Stove Top

yield 8 serving(s)

Ingredients

1 box rotini pasta
1/2 stick butter
1 1/2 cups milk
12 ounces Velveeta cheese
4 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium jalapeno peppers
1/2 tablespoon roasted minced garlic in olive oil
5 medium plum tomatoes, diced
1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon Adobo powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
5 - pieces leftover fried chicken thighs, if you don't have this you can boil and debone some
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

How To Make southern mexican mac and cheese casserole

Test Kitchen Tips

We deboned a store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe.

Step 1

Boil rotini pasta until al dente and set aside.

Step 2

Melt butter in a pan.
Step 3

Add milk to the pan. Then add diced Velveeta, cream cheese, and yogurt. Stir constantly until melted and blended.
Step 4

Mix this with the pasta. Then set this aside.
Step 5

For the meat mixture, put the olive oil in the pan. Add the jalapenos, garlic, and tomatoes. Cook until tender.
Step 6

Then add all of the seasoning and deboned meat.
Step 7

Cook down for about 15 min to blend flavors.
Step 8

When the meat mixture is finished put it in the bottom of a 9 x 13 dish to layer the bottom.
Step 9

Top with mac and cheese mixture.
Step 10

Then spread the shredded cheese on top.
Step 11

Bake until the cheese is melted on top; about 15-20 minutes.
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