Description
This Mexican Mac and Cheese combines creamy melted Mexican cheese with spicy pork sausage, tangy salsa verde, and flavorful taco seasonings layered over al dente rigatoni pasta. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh cherry tomatoes and cilantro, this dish offers a delightful fusion of classic comfort food and Mexican-inspired flavors, perfect for hearty family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 1 pound dry rigatoni pasta (1 box)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 ounces pork sausage (bulk or casings removed)
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 envelope)
- 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles (1 can, undrained)
- 16 ounces salsa verde
- 16 ounces shredded Mexican blend cheese (2 bags, total)
Garnish
- Diced cherry tomatoes, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, or line it with foil for easier cleanup. Set the dish aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the rigatoni pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Cook the Sausage and Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork sausage and chopped onion, crumbling the sausage with a spatula as it cooks until browned and the onion is soft.
- Add Seasoning and Sauce: When the sausage is almost fully cooked, stir in the taco seasoning and the chopped green chiles with their juices. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate the Salsa Verde: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the salsa verde until the mixture is well combined, creating a flavorful sauce base.
- Layer the Pasta and Cheese: Combine the cooked rigatoni pasta with the sausage mixture. In the prepared baking dish, spread half of this pasta mixture evenly. Sprinkle 8 ounces of shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining 8 ounces of cheese to create layers.
- Bake and Garnish: Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and garnish with diced cherry tomatoes and fresh cilantro before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.
- Use bulk pork sausage or remove casings from links for even cooking.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of taco seasoning or opt for mild salsa verde.
- For easier cleanup, lining the baking dish with foil is recommended.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
