Hey y’all! If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and just downright delicious, then you’re in for a treat with this Mexican Mac & Cheese. It’s the kind of dish that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy—creamy, cheesy goodness with a zesty kick from some tasty Mexican spices. And the best part? It’s made with grass-fed ground beef from our very own Permaculture Pastures!
This dish is perfect for a family dinner or any time you want to impress with a comforting, flavorful meal. With the rich flavor of grass-fed beef, plus all the gooey cheese and spices, it’s like mac and cheese met a taco and had a little party in your bowl.
So let’s get cookin’!
Why Choose Ground Beef from Our Farm?
Before we dive into the recipe, let me tell y’all a little bit about why our grass-fed ground beef is the best choice for this dish. When you choose ground beef from Permaculture Pastures, you’re getting more than just beef—you’re getting a hearty, nutrient-packed meal made from cows that roam freely on lush pastures, living a good life. Here’s why you’ll love it:
• Rich Flavor: Our grass-fed ground beef is lean, full of flavor, and doesn’t have that greasy or fatty taste you might find in conventional beef. It’s got a natural, savory goodness that makes every bite a treat.
• Nutrient-Dense: Grass-fed beef is packed with omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals. It’s the kind of meat that nourishes your body and leaves you feelin’ good.
• Ethical and Sustainable: When you buy from Permaculture Pastures, you’re supporting a local farm that practices sustainable farming. Our cows are raised with care and respect, which is something I take a lot of pride in.
Now that we’ve got the good stuff from the farm, let’s make this Mexican Mac & Cheese!
Mexican Mac & Cheese with Grass-Fed Ground Beef
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
• 1 lb Permaculture Pastures grass-fed ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you like a little heat!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
• 2 cups whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk if you’re going dairy-free)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese (for extra creamy goodness—totally optional, but I say go for it!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mac & Cheese:
• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta—gluten-free works great here too)
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional for some extra heat)
• Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
First things first, heat that olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic and cook ‘em up until they’re soft and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the grass-fed ground beef to the pan. Brown the beef, breaking it up with your spoon as you go. Once it’s all browned and ready, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, and a little salt and pepper. Give it a good stir and let those spices cook into the beef for about 1-2 minutes. Set it aside for now.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to make a nice roux. Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk to keep things smooth and lump-free. Once it thickens up (about 3-5 minutes), lower the heat and add your cheeses—cheddar, pepper jack, and that oh-so-creamy cream cheese. Stir it all together until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Oh, it’s going to be good.
3. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the elbow macaroni (or your pasta of choice) according to the package directions. Drain it, then toss it back in the pot.
4. Put it All Together:
Now, take that flavorful ground beef and stir it into the cooked pasta. Pour the cheesy sauce all over that goodness and mix it all together until everything’s coated in cheesy, spicy, beefy perfection. If the sauce looks a little thick, just add a splash more milk to loosen it up.
5. Serve it Up:
Spoon that Mexican Mac & Cheese into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, a few slices of jalapeño for a little zing, and a nice squeeze of lime juice. Trust me, that lime really brightens it up.
Why This Dish is So Dang Good
This Mexican Mac & Cheese is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, spicy, and savory. The grass-fed ground beef from Permaculture Pastures is the star of the show, giving it that rich, savory flavor that you just can’t get from regular beef. The spices add a warm, comforting kick, and the cheesy sauce? Well, that’s just pure comfort food.
It’s an easy recipe to whip up for the family or for a crowd, and the best part is, it’s got everything you need: protein, healthy fats, and a little zest. Plus, if you’re looking to sneak in some extra veggies, you can always throw in some diced bell peppers or spinach—just saying!
Why a Half Cow Share is the Way to Go
Now, if you haven’t already, I highly recommend considering a half cow share from Permaculture Pastures. It’s a great way to stock up on high-quality grass-fed beef that’ll last you for months—and you’ll always have ground beef on hand for dishes like this Mexican Mac & Cheese. It’s not only convenient, but it’s also an investment in quality, sustainable beef that your family will love.
With a half cow share, you get access to a variety of cuts, from steaks and roasts to ground beef and stew meat. And all of it comes from cows that are raised with care and respect. You just can’t beat that.
So, go ahead—give this Mexican Mac & Cheese a try and enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite. I know y’all will love it!
Happy cooking, y’all!
Addison Smith
Permaculture Pastures