DOUBLE JACK MAC

Double Jack Mac image

This spicy mac and cheese recipe came about when I asked my two sisters what they would like to add to mac and cheese to make it special. One said pepper jack cheese and the other said black beans. I liked both of the ideas and this is the result. The black beans add color and nutrition. The pepper jack cheese adds zip and fun. -Andrea Johnson, Freeport, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1 pound small pasta shells
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2-1/2 cups 2% milk
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
Additional minced fresh cilantro

Steps:

Cook shells according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, saute onion in butter. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour until blended; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened., Add the cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, pepper jack cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, cumin and pepper; cook and stir until cheese is melted., Drain pasta. Add the beans, bacon, cilantro and pasta to the cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with Mexican cheese blend. , Bake, uncovered, at 375° until bubbly and golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Garnish with additional cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 837 calories, Fat 41g fat (24g saturated fat), Cholesterol 123mg cholesterol, Sodium 1283mg sodium, Carbohydrate 79g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 37g protein.