(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:
- 1½ 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 🥓
- Diced tomatoes 🍅
- Jalapeños 🌶️
- Corn 🌽
- 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 3–4 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 2–3 minutes to bring out the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add:
- Elbow macaroni
- Beef broth
Bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 10–12 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:
🌶️ Extra green chiles
🧀 More cheese
🌿 Cilantro
🥓 Bacon
🍅 Tomatoes
Serve hot!
Extra Tips & Secrets 🌶️✨
✅ Use roasted Hatch green chiles for the best smoky flavor.
✅ Don’t overcook the pasta — keep a little bite for the perfect texture.
✅ Mix cheeses — cheddar gives flavor, Monterey Jack gives the perfect melt.
✅ Make it ahead — flavors get even better the next day.
Delicious Variations
🌶️ Spicy Green Chile Cheeseburger Mac
Add:
- Hot Hatch chiles
- Serrano peppers
- Jalapeños
🥓 Bacon Green Chile Mac
Add:
- Crispy bacon
- Extra cheddar
🍔 Loaded Cheeseburger Mac
Add:
- Pickles
- Mustard drizzle
- Burger sauce
🐔 Chicken Green Chile Mac
Replace beef with:
- Shredded chicken
🧀 Extra Creamy Version
Add:
- Heavy cream
- Extra cream cheese
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
🥗 Fresh salad
🌽 Mexican street corn
🥖 Garlic bread
🥑 Guacamole
🌶️ 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: 550–700 kcal
- Protein: 35–45 g
- Carbohydrates: 45–55 g
- Fat: 30–40 g
- Fiber: 3–5 g
Entire Recipe:
- Calories: approximately 4,400–5,600 kcal
- Protein: approximately 280–360 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 jalapeños.
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 ❤️
Option 1:
“Made this Green Chile Cheeseburger Macaroni and it was the ultimate comfort food! 🌶️🍔🧀 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! 😍 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! 🔥🌶️ A one-pot meal the whole family will love!”
🌶️🍔🧀 Green Chile Cheeseburger Macaroni is the perfect fusion of classic comfort food and smoky New Mexico Hatch chile flavor — creamy, cheesy, hearty, and full of bold flavor! ❤️