Get ready to spice up your mac and cheese game with this mouthwatering Crock Pot Fiesta Mac n Cheese that'll make your taste buds dance! Imagine creamy, cheesy pasta with a zesty kick that transforms the classic comfort food into a flavor-packed fiesta right in your slow cooker. This isn't just another mac and cheese recipe - it's a culinary adventure that brings the party to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your crock pot by lightly greasing the interior with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes less than package directions, ensuring the pasta remains slightly firm (al dente). Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, diced tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients until well blended.
- Layer the partially cooked macaroni in the crock pot, then pour the milk and seasoning mixture over the pasta, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the pasta mixture.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cheese melting.
- After 2 hours, check the consistency. If the mac and cheese seems too thick, add a little extra milk and stir.
- Once cheese is fully melted and pasta is tender, turn off the crock pot and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional cheese or chopped fresh cilantro.
Tips
- For the best texture, slightly undercook your pasta before adding to the crock pot. This prevents mushy mac and cheese.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother melting and richer flavor.
- Stir the mac and cheese occasionally during cooking to ensure even cheese distribution and prevent sticking.
- If you want extra heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the fiesta factor.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and settle.
- For a protein boost, you can easily add cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or chorizo to the recipe.
- If the mac and cheese seems too thick, always have some extra milk on hand to adjust the consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
