This simple Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese recipe was something I created during the early years of our marriage. We did not have much money back then as we were just starting out and trying to save up for a downpayment on a house, so I was always looking for ways to make a cheap meal.
This recipe uses a boxed macaroni and cheese, but you can also make your own from scratch. Back in the day, these boxes would be on sale for like 25 cents a piece! I used to really love the challenge of making a better meal out of a simple macaroni and cheese mix.
Fast forward to now and thankfully, we have a little bigger budget, but I still make this every once in a while when I want to use up items in our pantry and save on food expense.
I like to use fresh tomatoes, but in a pinch, you can used canned tomatoes.
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This simple macaroni and cheese recipe comes together super fast, by the way, if you use a rotisserie chicken. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken.
The flavors come together to make a comforting and mildly spiced dinner in just minutes. In fact, it is ready in about twenty minutes. The kind of meal that is helpful when you have had a busy day and really do not feel like cooking.
Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese
📖 Recipe
Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 box macaroni and cheese prepared
- ¾ cup cooked chicken cubed
- 2 medium tomatoes diced
- 1 tablespoon mild green chilis diced
- ½ teaspoon Mexican seasoning blend
Instructions
- Make macaroni and cheese as directed.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Cook on stove until heated through.
Nutrition
Tamara
It looks SO GOOD. Sometimes those early and cheap meals become classics. And we certainly always have our share of boxed mac and cheese in the house.
Raquel
So true Tamara! There is just something about the classics that keep them around for years!
Akaleistar
What a yummy way to dress up macaroni and cheese 🙂
Raquel
Kind of like fashion for mac n cheese Ashley! 🙂
hanna
Thanks for sharing. This looks really good.
Raquel
Thank you Hanna!
Michael Woods
Mmmm.. Mac and cheese.. So yummy...
Cynthia Rusincovitch
I've never tried macaroni and cheese like this before! It looks delicious! Thanks for linking up with Delicious Dishes Recipe Party!
Raquel
Thank you Cynthia! It is really tasty!
Raquel
Thank you Cynthia! It makes a nice meal and is super inexpensive to make.
Kim~madeinaday
What an interesting combo! Thanks for the recipe. Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Pinned! Have a great week!
Kim
Erica
This looks absolutely delicious! Can't wait to try it!
Raquel
Thanks Erica!