If you love the creamy comfort of classic macaroni and cheese but crave a little extra kick, this Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to dish. It’s a vibrant fusion of cheesy goodness, bold spices from taco seasoning, and the tangy brightness of salsa verde and green chiles. Every bite is a delightful blend of creamy, spicy, and savory that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe is straightforward enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve guests who appreciate hearty, flavorful food.

Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe truly spectacular. Each component plays an essential role—from the sturdy rigatoni holding the sauce beautifully, to the zesty salsa verde that brings it all to life.

1 pound dry rigatoni pasta: The perfect shape to trap all that cheesy, saucy goodness inside each tube.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the sausage and onions to create a rich, flavorful foundation.
16 ounces pork sausage: Bulk or casings removed for easy crumbling, it adds savory depth to the dish.
½ onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch that balances the spices.
1 ounce taco seasoning: Packs in bold Mexican flavors and warmth.
4.5 ounces chopped green chiles (undrained): Brings a mild heat and smokiness that is signature to this recipe.
16 ounces salsa verde: Adds tanginess and moisture, making the sauce vibrant and luscious.
16 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese: A mix of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and others, for creamy meltiness and rich flavor.
Diced cherry tomatoes, for garnish: Provide a fresh, colorful contrast in texture and taste.
Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Adds a burst of herbal brightness that completes the dish.

How to Make Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Before you dive into cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and either spray it with nonstick spray or line it with foil. This little prep step saves you from scrubbing later and ensures your mac and cheese will come out smooth and intact.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your rigatoni until it reaches al dente – tender but still with a little bite. This texture is key because it holds up well when baked, soaking up the sauce without turning mushy. After draining, set the pasta aside while you build the rest of the dish.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage and Onion

Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high and add the pork sausage along with the chopped onion. Use a spatula to crumble the sausage finely as it cooks, letting the onions soften and mingle with those juicy meat flavors. This step creates the flavorful base that makes this Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe stand out.

Step 4: Add Seasonings and Green Chiles

Once the sausage is nearly cooked through, stir in the taco seasoning and the chopped green chiles with their juices. Give it a minute or two on the heat so the spices can bloom and the flavors meld perfectly together. This mixture is loaded with the essence of Mexican spices that brighten the dish beautifully.

Step 5: Stir in Salsa Verde

Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the salsa verde thoroughly. This step ties the ingredients together with its bright, tangy notes, keeping the dish from feeling heavy and adding that irresistible pop of flavor.

Step 6: Layer Pasta and Cheese in the Baking Dish

Combine the cooked rigatoni with the sausage and salsa mixture, then start layering it in your prepared baking dish. Begin with half the pasta mixture, then sprinkle 8 ounces of shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly on top. Add the remaining pasta and finish with the last 8 ounces of cheese. The layering ensures gooey cheese pockets in every bite.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your masterpiece in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and just starting to turn golden. This is the point where the magic mash-up of creamy and spicy comes together into a perfect harmony.

How to Serve Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

To brighten every mouthful, sprinkle diced cherry tomatoes and chopped fresh cilantro over the hot cheesy layers. These garnishes add a fresh, slightly acidic note and gorgeous pops of color, making the dish feel lively and balanced.

Side Dishes

This rich and flavorful Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette or some lightly roasted vegetables. For heartier meals, serve alongside black beans or grilled corn to keep the theme cohesive and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or scoop into crispy tortilla bowls for a handheld treat. You can even mix in some jalapeño slices or crumbled queso fresco on top before baking for an extra layer of heat and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (and it’s hard not to), store them tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even better next-day bites.

Freezing

This Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe freezes beautifully. Just pack it into a freezer-safe container once cooled and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through and bubbly again, or use a microwave for convenience but add a splash of milk to keep the cheese creamy and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works great because it holds sauce well, you can use elbow macaroni, penne, or even shells. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they don’t get mushy when baked.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, just swap the pork sausage for a plant-based sausage or sauté some hearty mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version while keeping the same Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe base flavors.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the green chiles and taco seasoning, which add warmth but not overwhelming spice. You can adjust by choosing mild or hot green chiles depending on your preference.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?

Definitely! You can assemble the Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe up to a day before baking. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake when ready. This makes it perfect for entertaining or busy days.

What’s the best cheese to use if I can’t find a Mexican blend?

If you don’t have access to a Mexican blend, use a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a little mozzarella for meltiness. These cheeses mimic the creamy and flavorful profile nicely.

Final Thoughts

I encourage you to try this Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe soon—it’s comfort food with a sunny, bold twist that will make any mealtime more exciting. Once you taste that melty, spicy, cheesy goodness balanced with fresh garnishes, you’ll understand why it’s become one of my cherished recipes to share with friends and family. Trust me, it has all the feel-good vibes and flavor punches you want in a dish, and it’s way too delicious not to make again and again!