(Creamy Hatch Green Chile Beef Mac & Cheese)
This Green Chile Cheeseburger Macaroni combines the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with creamy macaroni and the smoky kick of roasted Hatch green chiles. It’s a comforting one-pot meal loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and Southwest flavor that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Cheeseburger Macaroni:
- 1ยฝ pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups roasted Hatch green chiles, chopped
- 3 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Additions:
- Crispy bacon pieces ๐ฅ
- Diced tomatoes ๐
- Jalapeรฑos ๐ถ๏ธ
- Corn ๐ฝ
- Pinto beans
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
Add:
- Onion
- Garlic
Cook for 3โ4 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add the Hatch Green Chile
Stir in:
- Roasted Hatch green chiles
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Mexican oregano
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Cook for 2โ3 minutes to bring out the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add:
- Elbow macaroni
- Beef broth
Bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 10โ12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy
Reduce heat to low.
Stir in:
- Milk
- Cream cheese (optional)
- Cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Serve
Top with:
๐ถ๏ธ Extra green chiles
๐ง More cheese
๐ฟ Cilantro
๐ฅ Bacon
๐
Tomatoes
Serve hot!
Extra Tips & Secrets ๐ถ๏ธโจ
โ Use roasted Hatch green chiles for the best smoky flavor.
โ Don’t overcook the pasta โ keep a little bite for the perfect texture.
โ Mix cheeses โ cheddar gives flavor, Monterey Jack gives the perfect melt.
โ Make it ahead โ flavors get even better the next day.
Delicious Variations
๐ถ๏ธ Spicy Green Chile Cheeseburger Mac
Add:
- Hot Hatch chiles
- Serrano peppers
- Jalapeรฑos
๐ฅ Bacon Green Chile Mac
Add:
- Crispy bacon
- Extra cheddar
๐ Loaded Cheeseburger Mac
Add:
- Pickles
- Mustard drizzle
- Burger sauce
๐ Chicken Green Chile Mac
Replace beef with:
- Shredded chicken
๐ง Extra Creamy Version
Add:
- Heavy cream
- Extra cream cheese
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
๐ฅ Fresh salad
๐ฝ Mexican street corn
๐ฅ Garlic bread
๐ฅ Guacamole
๐ถ๏ธ Salsa verde
Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate)
Per serving (1 of 8 servings):
- Calories: 550โ700 kcal
- Protein: 35โ45 g
- Carbohydrates: 45โ55 g
- Fat: 30โ40 g
- Fiber: 3โ5 g
Entire Recipe:
- Calories: approximately 4,400โ5,600 kcal
- Protein: approximately 280โ360 g
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: What makes this different from regular cheeseburger macaroni?
A: Roasted Hatch green chiles add smoky Southwest flavor and a mild spicy kick.
Q: Can I use canned green chiles?
A: Yes, but roasted Hatch chiles give the best authentic flavor.
Q: What cheese works best?
A: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and American cheese all melt well.
Q: Can I make this less spicy?
A: Use mild Hatch green chiles and avoid adding jalapeรฑos.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, cook the beef first, then combine ingredients and add pasta near the end.
Social Media Caption Ideas โค๏ธ
Option 1:
“Made this Green Chile Cheeseburger Macaroni and it was the ultimate comfort food! ๐ถ๏ธ๐๐ง Creamy cheesy pasta, seasoned beef, and smoky Hatch green chiles all in one delicious dish. Full recipe below!”
Option 2:
“Two favorites combined into one amazing meal! ๐ Cheeseburger + macaroni + Hatch green chile = the perfect cozy dinner. Save this recipe!”
Option 3:
“This Green Chile Cheeseburger Mac is loaded with cheesy goodness and Southwest flavor! ๐ฅ๐ถ๏ธ A one-pot meal the whole family will love!”
๐ถ๏ธ๐๐ง Green Chile Cheeseburger Macaroni is the perfect fusion of classic comfort food and smoky New Mexico Hatch chile flavor โ creamy, cheesy, hearty, and full of bold flavor! โค๏ธ
