This Black Bean Mac and Cheese is a comforting twist on the classic mac and cheese recipe. This dish combines creamy, cheesy pasta with the hearty addition of black beans, topped with crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful contrast. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Black Bean Mac and Cheese

You’ll love this Black Bean Mac and Cheese because it’s:

1. Creamy and Cheesy: A rich cheese sauce made with pepper jack and sharp cheddar.
2. Hearty and Satisfying: The addition of black beans makes this a more filling and nutritious meal.
3. Crunchy Topping: Crushed tortilla chips add a delightful crunch.
4. Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a go-to comfort food recipe.

Ingredients For Black Bean Mac and Cheese

For the Mac and Cheese

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided, plus more for greasing the pan
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 14-ounce can black beans, drained, rinsed well, and patted dry

For the Topping

• A couple handfuls white corn tortilla chips, crushed
• A pat of butter, cut into small pieces

How to Make Black Bean Mac and Cheese

Prepare the Macaroni

1. Cook Pasta: Cook the elbows to al dente in plenty of salted water according to package directions. Drain, add them back to the pan off the heat, and toss with a tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Sauce

2. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Butter a 10-inch round casserole with high sides or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Make Roux: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 3 minutes, stirring often.
4. Add Milk and Mustard: Slowly whisk in the milk and the mustard. Turn the heat up and bring to a simmer. Simmer, stirring often, for 4-5 minutes.
5. Add Cheese: Turn the heat down to low and add both cheeses, except for ½ cup for the top, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.

Combine and Bake

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the black beans into the pasta. If the pan is big enough, add the pasta to the cheese sauce or vice versa, mix gently with a wooden spoon, and pour into the casserole dish. (If your pan(s) aren’t big enough, add half the pasta to the casserole dish and pour half the cheese sauce over it. Add the remaining pasta and pour the rest of the sauce over it.)
7. Add Topping: Sprinkle with the remaining cheese, crushed chips, and dot the top with the cut-up butter.
8. Bake: Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapenos to the cheese sauce for an extra spicy kick.
• Different Beans: Substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans for a different flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition.

Black Bean Mac and Cheese

Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• 10-inch round casserole dish or 9×13-inch baking dish

Storage

Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

What to Serve with Black Bean Mac and Cheese

This dish is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

1. Green Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the mac and cheese.
2. Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread for a complete comfort food meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Enjoy with roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts for added nutrition.

Tips

• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the pasta to al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
• Mix Well: Ensure the cheese sauce is fully melted and smooth before combining with the pasta.
• Crunchy Topping: For extra crunch, add more crushed tortilla chips just before baking.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta.

What if I don’t have pepper jack cheese?

You can use any melty cheese you prefer, like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or mozzarella.

Yield: 9 servings

PEPPER JACK AND BLACK BEAN MAC & CHEESE

Print

This is a baked mac & cheese all dressed up with pepper jack and sharp cheddar cheese, black beans and a crunchy tortilla chip topping.

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbows
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided, plus more for greasing the pan
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper
• 14 ounce can black beans, drained, rinsed well & patted dry
• Topping:
• a couple handfuls white corn tortilla chips, crushed
• a pat of butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

1. Cook the elbows to al dente in plenty of salted water according to package directions. Drain, add them back to the pan off the heat and toss with a tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a 10-inch round casserole with high sides or a 9 x 13.
3. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the flour and cook 3 minutes, stirring often.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk and the mustard. Turn the heat up and bring to a simmer. Simmer, stirring often, 4 - 5 minutes.
5. Turn the heat down to low and add both cheeses except for ½ cup for the top, stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
6. Stir the black beans into the pasta. If the pan is big enough add the pasta to the cheese sauce or vice versa, mix gently with a wooden spoon and pour into the casserole dish. (If your pan(s) aren't big enough add half the pasta to the casserole dish and pour half the cheese sauce over it. Add the remaining pasta and pour the rest of the sauce over it.)
7. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese, crushed chips and dot the top with the cut up butter.
8. Bake 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let it sit 5 - 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Approximate Nutrition Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

9

Serving Size:

1 grams
Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g

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