Nacho Mac ‘n’ Cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of classic macaroni and cheese with the bold and zesty elements of nachos. This unique fusion dish is perfect for those who love the cheesy goodness of mac ‘n’ cheese and the spicy kick of nachos. Let’s delve into the history and story behind Nacho Mac ‘n’ Cheese:

The origins of Nacho Mac ‘n’ Cheese can be traced to the popular Tex-Mex cuisine, which combines traditional Mexican flavors with American ingredients. Nachos, a beloved snack, are often associated with Tex-Mex cuisine and are typically made with tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, jalapenos, and other flavorful ingredients. Mac ‘n’ cheese, on the other hand, is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations.

Nacho Mac ‘n’ Cheese takes the concept of nachos and infuses it into the creamy and cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese. It brings together elements like ground beef, sweet red peppers, taco seasoning, and tortilla chips to create a dish that is both satisfying and full of flavor.

PREP/TOTAL TIME: 25 MIN.

MAKES: 6 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups uncooked gemelli or spiral pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups chopped sweet red peppers
• ¼ cup butter, cubed
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 envelope taco seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2¼ cups 2% milk
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1 cup coarsely crushed tortilla chips

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the gemelli pasta according to the package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and sweet red peppers over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in the cubed butter, flour, taco seasoning, and pepper until well blended. Gradually stir in the milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and thawed corn until the cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined.
3. Drain the cooked gemelli pasta and add it to the beef mixture, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Sprinkle the coarsely crushed tortilla chips over the top.

NOTE:

• Nacho Mac ‘n’ Cheese is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the creamy and comforting nature of mac ‘n’ cheese with the bold flavors of nachos. It’s a fantastic choice for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. The combination of cheesy pasta, seasoned ground beef, sweet red peppers, and crunchy tortilla chips creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings.
• Serve Nacho Mac ‘n’ Cheese as a main dish or as a side alongside your favorite Tex-Mex-inspired dishes. You can also customize it by adding toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors in this creative and delicious dish!