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southern mexican mac and cheese casserole

(4)
Devinesalvage avatar
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Cynthia Rivers Martinez
@Devinesalvage
Dothan, AL

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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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 @kitchencrew
(4)
yield 8 serving(s)
prep time 30 Min
cook time 35 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For southern mexican mac and cheese casserole

  • 1 box
    rotini pasta
  • 1/2 stick
    butter
  • 1 1/2 c
    milk
  • 12 oz
    Velveeta cheese
  • 4 oz
    cream cheese
  • 1/2 c
    plain yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp
    olive oil
  • 2 md
    jalapeno peppers
  • 1/2 Tbsp
    roasted minced garlic in olive oil
  • 5 md
    plum tomatoes, diced
  • 1 1/2 c
    crushed tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp
    Adobo powder
  • 1/4 tsp
    cumin
  • 1/2 tsp
    cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 Tbsp
    chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp
    onion powder
  • 5
    pieces leftover fried chicken thighs, if you don't have this you can boil and debone some
  • 1 1/2 c
    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.
  • Boil the rotini pasta.
    1
    Boil rotini pasta until al dente and set aside.
  • Melt butter in a pan.
    2
    Melt butter in a pan.
  • Add milk, Velveeta, cream cheese, and yogurt.
    3
    Add milk to the pan. Then add diced Velveeta, cream cheese, and yogurt. Stir constantly until melted and blended.
  • Mix with the cooked pasta.
    4
    Mix this with the pasta. Then set this aside.
  • Cook jalapenos, garlic, and tomatoes.
    5
    For the meat mixture, put the olive oil in the pan. Add the jalapenos, garlic, and tomatoes. Cook until tender.
  • Add seasoning and leftover chicken.
    6
    Then add all of the seasoning and deboned meat.
  • Cook for 15 minutes.
    7
    Cook down for about 15 min to blend flavors.
  • Add chicken mixture to the bottom of a baking dish.
    8
    When the meat mixture is finished put it in the bottom of a 9 x 13 dish to layer the bottom.
  • Top with the macaroni and cheese.
    9
    Top with mac and cheese mixture.
  • Spread shredded cheese on top.
    10
    Then spread the shredded cheese on top.
  • Bake until the cheese is melted.
    11
    Bake until the cheese is melted on top; about 15-20 minutes.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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