Green Chile Mac and Cheese with Pulled Pork
Creamy, dreamy mac and cheese gets a Southwestern makeover with smoky roasted green chiles and tender, savory pulled pork. A comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for a hearty dinner.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preheat oven and cook pasta.
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- c.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tbsp of salt, then the elbow macaroni.
- d.Cook the pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. It should still have a firm bite.
- e.Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the roux and béchamel sauce.
- b.In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- c.Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth, bubbly paste (a roux). Do not let it brown.
- d.Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce comes to a gentle simmer and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the cheese sauce.
- b.Remove the saucepan from the heat. This prevents the cheese from becoming grainy.
- c.Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in handfuls, stirring until each addition is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- d.Stir in 1 tsp salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine all components.
- b.Add the drained pasta, shredded pulled pork, and diced green chiles to the cheese sauce.
- c.Gently fold everything together until the pasta and pork are evenly coated.
- d.Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Prepare topping and bake.
- b.In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toss until they are evenly coated.
- c.Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the top of the mac and cheese.
- d.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and serve.
- b.Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and thicken slightly.
- c.Serve warm, garnished with extra green chiles or cilantro if desired.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the smoothest cheese sauce, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can result in a grainy texture.
- 2Warming the milk before adding it to the roux helps create a lump-free sauce.
- 3Slightly undercooking the pasta is crucial. It will absorb more sauce and finish cooking in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- 4For an extra smoky flavor, use fire-roasted Hatch green chiles or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
- 5This dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese Swap
Substitute Monterey Jack with pepper jack for extra spice, or use smoked gouda for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Add VeggiesAdd Veggies
Stir in 1 cup of roasted corn or sautéed onions and bell peppers along with the pulled pork for added texture and flavor.
Vegetarian OptionVegetarian Option
Omit the pulled pork and replace it with 1 lb of roasted cauliflower florets or a can of black beans (rinsed and drained).
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Use hot green chiles instead of mild, and add 1-2 diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The combination of pulled pork and cheese provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Good Source of Calcium
With a generous amount of milk and cheese, this dish is a great source of calcium, a mineral vital for strong bones and teeth, as well as nerve and muscle function.
Provides Energy
The carbohydrates from the pasta provide a quick and sustained source of energy, making this a hearty and satisfying meal.
Frequently asked questions
This is a rich and indulgent comfort food, high in calories, fat, and sodium. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It does provide significant protein from the pork and cheese.