Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Beef Queso Mac & Cheese (Ultra-Cheesy, Hearty & Cozy Comfort Dinner)

Sarah Smith
Dec 17, 2025
2 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Creamy mac and cheese with beef in a bowl, garnished with green onions and herbs. Rustic wooden table setting; fork beside the bowl.

This Beef Queso Mac & Cheese is pure comfort with a Tex-Mex twist. Tender pasta is tossed with seasoned ground beef and smothered in a rich, creamy queso sauce that’s packed with melty cheese and warm spices. It’s hearty, ultra-cheesy, and comes together fast — making it perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something cozy and indulgent.

Serve it with a fresh Classic Southern Garden Salad or Creamy Coleslaw for balance, and add warm Classic Southern Cornbread or tortilla chips on the side to scoop up every cheesy bite.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy mac and cheese loaded with seasoned beef and queso
Rich, cheesy flavor with a bold, comforting twist
Filling, satisfying dinner the whole family will love
Perfect for weeknight comfort meals, leftovers, or casual gatherings

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Servings: 6

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving (based on 6 servings)

Calories: 680 Protein: 32g Carbohydrates: 45g Fat: 42g Saturated Fat: 19g Cholesterol: 125mg Sodium: 1,050mg Fiber: 3g Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp taco seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cumin
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk
1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: chopped cilantro, green onions, jalapeños

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed and set aside.
In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Stir in taco seasoning, smoked paprika, and cumin. Return beef to the skillet and toss to coat.
Push beef mixture to one side. Melt butter in the skillet, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in milk and simmer until slightly thickened.
Stir in queso dip, cheddar, and Monterey Jack until smooth and creamy.
Add cooked pasta and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Season with salt and pepper. Garnish as desired and serve hot.

FAQ

Can I use Velveeta instead of queso?

Yes — melt 8 oz Velveeta with a splash of milk as a substitute.

Is this spicy?

It’s mild. Use spicy queso, hot taco seasoning, or diced jalapeños to add heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Store refrigerated and reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Can I bake it?

Absolutely. Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

What protein swaps work?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even chorizo are delicious alternatives.

How to Serve

Serve hot as a main dish with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables. It’s also great for potlucks, game nights, or casual family dinners.

Conclusion

This Beef Queso Mac & Cheese is creamy, hearty, and loaded with bold flavor — the ultimate cozy comfort meal with a Tex-Mex kick. Easy to make and guaranteed to please, it’s a recipe your family will ask for again and again.