Quick Pepper Jack and Black Bean Mac & Cheese Recipe You’ll Love

Pepper jack mac & cheese erupts with unexpected flavor combinations that redefine ordinary pasta into an extraordinary meal.

Creamy, zesty cheese sauce mingles with robust black beans, creating a vibrant culinary experience that breaks traditional comfort food boundaries.

Deeply satisfying textures and complex spice profiles dance across your palate with each forkful.

Subtle heat builds gradually, promising a delightful warmth that lingers beyond each bite.

Comfort food lovers will appreciate how this recipe reimagines a classic dish with sophisticated ingredients.

Familiar yet adventurous, this mac & cheese challenges everything you thought you knew about pasta preparation.

Why Pepper Jack & Black Bean Mac Is Big on Flavor

• Spice Up Your Comfort Food: Pepper jack cheese adds a zesty kick to traditional mac and cheese, transforming this classic dish into a bold and exciting meal that tingles your taste buds.
• Protein-Packed Veggie Boost: Black beans introduce a hearty texture and extra protein, making this mac and cheese a more nutritious and satisfying option that goes beyond simple pasta and cheese.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: This recipe comes together in under an hour, with simple steps and minimal prep, perfect for busy families craving a delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crispy Chip Topping Delight: The crushed chip garnish provides an unexpected crunch that elevates the creamy mac and cheese, adding a playful textural contrast that makes every bite interesting and delightful.

All the Ingredients Behind This Spicy, Cheesy Bowl

• Elbow Pasta: Hearty base for the mac and cheese, providing a classic shape that catches the cheesy sauce perfectly.
• Pepper Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Spicy pepper jack adds kick while cheddar offers rich, creamy flavor; both melt smoothly for a luxurious sauce.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed addition that brings earthy flavor and textural contrast to the mac and cheese.
• Milk, Butter: Milk creates smooth sauce base while butter adds richness and prevents sticking.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Mustard: Enhances overall flavor profile with subtle depth and complexity.
• Crushed Chips: Provides a crispy, textural contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce and create a smooth, velvety texture.

How to Make Creamy Mac & Cheese with a Southwestern Kick

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Boil elbow pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and coat with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 10-inch round casserole dish or 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 3: Create Butter Roux

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to create a smooth base.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

Gradually whisk in milk and mustard. Increase heat slightly and simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until sauce thickens.

Step 5: Add Cheese Mixture

Reduce heat and incorporate cheese (saving for topping). Stir until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Beans

Gently fold black beans into cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly with cooked pasta. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Add Crispy Topping

Sprinkle reserved cheese over pasta. Crush chips and scatter on top. Add small butter dollops for extra richness.

Step 8: Bake And Serve

Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Allow 5-10 minutes resting time before serving to let flavors settle.

Tips for Getting That Melt & Spice Just Right

• Choose Creamy Cheese: Select a high-quality pepper jack cheese with good melting properties for maximum flavor and smooth texture.
• Control Pasta Cooking: Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling, as it will continue to soften when baked in the cheese sauce.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk milk mixture slowly and consistently to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps or graininess.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust pepper jack quantity based on desired heat intensity; mix with mild cheddar for a more balanced flavor profile.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Crush tortilla chips finely and mix with a little extra cheese for an extra crunchy, golden-brown casserole top.

Reheating Tips to Keep It Creamy and Bold

• Refrigeration: Transfer cooled mac and cheese to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Store frozen mac and cheese for up to 3 months. Place a date label on the container to track storage time.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and prevent dryness.

What to Serve Alongside This Hearty Mac Dish

• Spice Up Your Sip: Pair this zesty mac & cheese with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona, which cuts through the richness and complements the pepper jack's heat.
• Cool Down the Fire: Serve with a refreshing cucumber-mint salsa or a tangy coleslaw to balance the spicy cheese and provide a light, crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Southwest Sidekick: Add a simple avocado and lime salad on the side, which brings a fresh, creamy element that echoes the black beans and adds a bright citrus note to the dish.
• Chill with Heat: For a non-alcoholic option, try a chilled horchata or agua fresca, which will soothe the palate and match the Mexican-inspired flavor profile of the mac & cheese.

Fun Additions to Customize Your Macaroni Bowl

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace pepper jack with sharp cheddar and add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of chili powder for extra heat.
• Veggie Power Mac: Incorporate roasted corn, diced bell peppers, and spinach to boost nutritional value and add vibrant colors to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Swap black beans for chickpeas, mix in crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of oregano for a Mediterranean flair.
• Smoky Protein Boost: Add cooked chorizo or shredded rotisserie chicken, use smoked paprika, and top with crispy bacon bits for a protein-packed version.

Pepper Jack And Black Bean Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Pepper Jack and Black Bean Mac & Cheese delivers a spicy southwestern twist on classic comfort cuisine. Rich cheese sauce mingles with hearty black beans, creating a zesty pasta experience that satisfies cravings and delights taste buds in one delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 14 ounces (396 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 handful white corn tortilla chips, crushed
• 1 pat butter, cut into small pieces

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Instructions

1. Immerse elbow pasta in well-salted water, cooking until perfectly tender according to package guidelines. Drain thoroughly and coat with unsalted butter to prevent clumping.
2. Activate the oven to 400°F (204°C) and generously lubricate a 10-inch round casserole or 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter.
3. Establish a creamy base by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium-low temperature. Incorporate flour and cook, whisking continuously for approximately 3 minutes to develop a nutty roux.
4. Gradually introduce milk and mustard, incrementally elevating heat until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer, stirring consistently for 4-5 minutes to ensure smooth integration.
5. Reduce heat and melt pepper jack and cheddar cheeses into the sauce, reserving ½ cup for final topping. Stir until completely smooth and uniform, seasoning with salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
6. Tenderly incorporate drained black beans into the cheese sauce, gently folding to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Combine prepared pasta with cheese and bean mixture, ensuring complete and thorough coating of noodles.
8. Transfer the creamy pasta to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a consistent layer.
9. Sprinkle reserved cheese across the top, scatter crushed tortilla chips for added crunch, and dot with small butter segments for extra richness.
10. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling surface that signals perfect doneness.
11. Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven, enabling the sauce to set and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Elevate your mac and cheese game with this spicy southwestern twist that transforms a classic comfort food.
• Pepper jack cheese brings a fiery kick, while black beans add hearty protein and unexpected texture to this creamy pasta.
• Crushed tortilla chips create a crunchy golden topping that provides irresistible contrast to the melted cheese underneath.
• Preparing this dish requires standard kitchen skills and takes under an hour from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even more delicious the next day as flavors continue to meld and develop.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 426 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 61mg