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Organized Island » Recipes » Main Dishes

Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese

Published: Jul 2, 2019 by Raquel · This post may contain affiliate links · 13 Comments

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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.

Macaroni and Cheese recipe for a tasty and inexpensive dinner idea!

I like to use fresh tomatoes, but in a pinch, you can used canned tomatoes.

 
 
Macaroni and Cheese recipe for a meal made with a boxed mix! So tasty and a cheap dinner idea!

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. 

green chili macaroni and cheese
 
 

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.

Macaroni and Cheese recipe for a meal made with a boxed mix! So economical and easy!
 
You won't believe how easy this is to make this southwestern macaroni and cheese and it really stretches your dollar!

 

 Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese

 
You won't believe how easy this is to make and it really stretches your dollar!

Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese

Raquel Pineira
This Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese is so easy to make for a quick budget meal idea.
4.50 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese
Servings 4
Calories 44 kcal

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

Calories: 44kcalProtein: 7gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 20mgPotassium: 60mgVitamin A: 11IUCalcium: 3mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

green chili mac and cheese

 
What is your favorite macaroni and cheese add in?
Easy Simple Recipe Ideas
 
 
 
 
 
« Paper Organization
Easy Cavatappi Pasta Recipe »

About Raquel

Southern California mom who blogs about time-saving recipes, entertaining and party ideas.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tamara

    April 13, 2016 at 9:00 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Raquel

      April 13, 2016 at 7:22 pm

      So true Tamara! There is just something about the classics that keep them around for years!

      Reply
  2. Akaleistar

    April 13, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    What a yummy way to dress up macaroni and cheese 🙂

    Reply
    • Raquel

      April 13, 2016 at 7:22 pm

      Kind of like fashion for mac n cheese Ashley! 🙂

      Reply
  3. hanna

    April 13, 2016 at 7:18 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for sharing. This looks really good.

    Reply
    • Raquel

      April 13, 2016 at 7:21 pm

      Thank you Hanna!

      Reply
  4. Michael Woods

    April 16, 2016 at 8:18 am

    Mmmm.. Mac and cheese.. So yummy...

    Reply
  5. Cynthia Rusincovitch

    April 25, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    I've never tried macaroni and cheese like this before! It looks delicious! Thanks for linking up with Delicious Dishes Recipe Party!

    Reply
    • Raquel

      April 25, 2016 at 5:33 pm

      Thank you Cynthia! It is really tasty!

      Reply
    • Raquel

      April 27, 2016 at 7:55 pm

      Thank you Cynthia! It makes a nice meal and is super inexpensive to make.

      Reply
  6. Kim~madeinaday

    October 26, 2016 at 7:37 am

    4 stars
    What an interesting combo! Thanks for the recipe. Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Pinned! Have a great week!
    Kim

    Reply
  7. Erica

    October 28, 2016 at 8:21 am

    This looks absolutely delicious! Can't wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Raquel

      October 31, 2016 at 4:48 pm

      Thanks Erica!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Raquel! I am a self-proclaimed foodie and have enjoyed cooking and baking since I was little. I loved baking cookies with my mother and grandma as a child, and later making dinners for my parents to foster my passion while in high school. I also had a passion for organizing and keeping things tidy.

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