Spicy Southwestern Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

By Rachel // January 20, 2015 // 20 comments //

This easy stovetop macaroni and cheese has a spicy kick from spices and Pepper Jack cheese. Plus, a fun Southwestern twist with corn, beans and peppers!

Spicy Southwestern stovetop mac and cheese recipe from @bakedbyrachel

It’s hard to believe that in nearly five years I’ve never shared a stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe. Not once! And I have a great love for cheese and of course mac and cheese. Who doesn’t?! It’s a regular in our dinner rotations. I can’t get enough!

Just in time to celebrate national cheese day, I’ve teamed up with Wisconsin Cheese to bring you a super creamy (and easy!) stovetop mac and cheese recipe.

I have all of these silly phrases (cheesy even… if you will) coming to mind, but I’ll save you from making lots of groans and eye rolls.

Spicy Southwestern stovetop mac and cheese recipe from @bakedbyrachel

I’ve always been a huge fan of cheddar in mac and cheese. It’s a classic and melts great. Mild. Sharp. Extra sharp… you name it. And now, pepper Jack. Yum! Paired with gouda and it is the ultimate in creamy and spicy.

But, fear not. It’s not overly spicy, more of a nice lingering kick. If my three year old can handle it, anyone can.

However, if you’re not feeling up to the adventure, feel free to omit the jalapeño and extra spices.

Spicy Southwestern stovetop mac and cheese recipe from @bakedbyrachel

Have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes with this easy spicy stovetop mac n cheese. This super cheesy gouda and pepper Jack mac and cheese offers a fun Southwestern twist featuring corn, black beans and peppers! An absolute must make!!

Be sure to check out All Things Mac and Cheese for even more tasty recipe ideas, and a fun giveaway to celebrate national cheese day!

Spicy Southwestern stovetop mac and cheese recipe from @bakedbyrachel

Print Recipe

Spicy Southwestern Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Easy stovetop macaroni and cheese with a spicy Southwestern kick!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cheese, Dinner, Pasta
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 6 oz pasta roughly 2 cups dry
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 Tbsp all purpose flour
  • 2 C milk warm
  • 1 Tbsp jalapeño minced
  • 1/3 C green bell pepper chopped
  • 1/3 C corn drained
  • 1/2 C black beans drained and rinsed well
  • 3 oz Gouda roughly 1C shredded and packed
  • 3 oz Pepper Jack cheese roughly 1C shredded and packed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • Pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to manufacturer's directions.
  • Meanwhile, sauté peppers in 1 Tbsp butter (or olive oil) over medium heat, until tender. Transfer to a clean bowl, set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour until smooth. Pour in warm milk while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until mixture is combined. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat. Season with spices and mix in cheese until melted, stirring frequently. When cheese is completely melted, stir in sautéed peppers, corn, rinsed black beans and drained pasta. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat corn and black beans through.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust spices and amount of jalapeño to create your desired level of spice and heat.
An original recipe from Baked by Rachel

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Wisconsin Cheese for All Things Mac and Cheese. I was compensated for my time. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

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20 Responses to “Spicy Southwestern Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese”

  1. #
    1
    Amanda — January 20, 2015 at 10:36 am

    This is amazing! I love how creamy and cheesy it is!

    • #
      1.1
      Rachel — January 21, 2015 at 7:25 am

      Thanks Amanda!

  2. #
    2
    Jess Knight — January 20, 2015 at 11:41 am

    Love how you switched up the cheeses, sounds so delish! Pinned this recipe!

    • #
      2.1
      Rachel — January 21, 2015 at 7:25 am

      Thanks Jess! :)

  3. #
    3
    Shari Kelley — January 20, 2015 at 5:22 pm

    This looks really delicious! I love the southwestern ingredients you added to make it spicy.

    • #
      3.1
      Rachel — January 21, 2015 at 7:25 am

      Thanks Shari!

  4. #
    4
    Lori @ RecipeGirl — January 20, 2015 at 5:41 pm

    My family would go nuts for this! I love the cheese combination you put together!

    • #
      4.1
      Rachel — January 21, 2015 at 7:25 am

      Thanks so much Lori!

  5. #
    5
    naomi — January 21, 2015 at 2:59 am

    I love the spicy in this mac and cheese!

    • #
      5.1
      Rachel — January 21, 2015 at 7:25 am

      Thanks Naomi! :)

  6. #
    6
    Faith (An Edible Mosaic) — January 21, 2015 at 7:40 am

    I love how creamy this is! The fact that it’s stovetop instead of being baked is such a bonus too.

    • #
      6.1
      Rachel — January 22, 2015 at 7:19 am

      Thanks so much Faith!

  7. #
    7
    Amy @ Living Locurto — January 21, 2015 at 8:19 am

    Wow! This looks so amazing!

    • #
      7.1
      Rachel — January 22, 2015 at 7:19 am

      Thanks Amy!

  8. #
    8
    Jenny Flake — January 21, 2015 at 2:54 pm

    Loooove a good mac and cheese Southwest Style!! Great looking recipe!

    • #
      8.1
      Rachel — January 22, 2015 at 7:19 am

      Thanks so much Jenny!

  9. #
    9
    Julie @ Table for Two — January 21, 2015 at 4:03 pm

    Love the flavors of this! It looks so creamy and I really like that spicy kick!

    • #
      9.1
      Rachel — January 22, 2015 at 7:19 am

      Super creamy! You’d love it :)

  10. #
    10
    Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen — January 25, 2015 at 4:38 pm

    Oooh I love the flavors going on here!

    • #
      10.1
      Rachel — January 25, 2015 at 7:40 pm

      Thanks Katrina!

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