(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:
- 1Β½ 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 π₯
- Diced tomatoes π
- JalapeΓ±os πΆοΈ
- Corn π½
- 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 3β4 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 2β3 minutes to bring out the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add:
- Elbow macaroni
- Beef broth
Bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 10β12 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:
πΆοΈ Extra green chiles
π§ More cheese
πΏ Cilantro
π₯ Bacon
π
Tomatoes
Serve hot!
Extra Tips & Secrets πΆοΈβ¨
β Use roasted Hatch green chiles for the best smoky flavor.
β Don’t overcook the pasta β keep a little bite for the perfect texture.
β Mix cheeses β cheddar gives flavor, Monterey Jack gives the perfect melt.
β Make it ahead β flavors get even better the next day.
Delicious Variations
πΆοΈ Spicy Green Chile Cheeseburger Mac
Add:
- Hot Hatch chiles
- Serrano peppers
- JalapeΓ±os
π₯ Bacon Green Chile Mac
Add:
- Crispy bacon
- Extra cheddar
π Loaded Cheeseburger Mac
Add:
- Pickles
- Mustard drizzle
- Burger sauce
π Chicken Green Chile Mac
Replace beef with:
- Shredded chicken
π§ Extra Creamy Version
Add:
- Heavy cream
- Extra cream cheese
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
π₯ Fresh salad
π½ Mexican street corn
π₯ Garlic bread
π₯ Guacamole
πΆοΈ 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: 550β700 kcal
- Protein: 35β45 g
- Carbohydrates: 45β55 g
- Fat: 30β40 g
- Fiber: 3β5 g
Entire Recipe:
- Calories: approximately 4,400β5,600 kcal
- Protein: approximately 280β360 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 jalapeΓ±os.
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 β€οΈ
Option 1:
“Made this Green Chile Cheeseburger Macaroni and it was the ultimate comfort food! πΆοΈππ§ 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! π 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! π₯πΆοΈ A one-pot meal the whole family will love!”
πΆοΈππ§ Green Chile Cheeseburger Macaroni is the perfect fusion of classic comfort food and smoky New Mexico Hatch chile flavor β creamy, cheesy, hearty, and full of bold flavor! β€οΈ