Easy Stovetop Beer Mac and Cheese

What Makes This Beer Mac and Cheese Different?

I think most of us can agree that Mac and Cheese is simply glorious. And for this recipe, I wanted to give this beer mac and cheese a Southwestern personality, so I chose Mexican beer and New Mexico red chile powder rather than relying on the more traditional flavors of a classic Bechamel cheese sauce.

• Mexican lager: Modelo Especial brings a noticeable but balanced beer flavor to the cheese sauce. Its Mexican origin also fits the Southwestern inspiration behind this recipe.
• Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack: Sharp cheddar delivers the familiar, full cheese flavor of macaroni and cheese, while Monterey Jack complements it with a milder taste.
• New Mexico red chile powder: A little New Mexico Chimayo Red Chile Powder adds mild warmth and Southwestern character without making the dish overly spicy.
• Creamy stovetop preparation: A simple roux-based sauce brings the ingredients together into a smooth, creamy coating for the macaroni.

The result is a familiar comfort food with a distinctive Southwestern twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This beer mac and cheese recipe combines the standard procedure for creating a creamy cheese sauce, but then takes on a whole new life with the addition of beer. Lead ingredients include:

• Macaroni: The classic pasta shape for macaroni and cheese, with plenty of surface area to hold the creamy beer cheese sauce.
• Modelo Especial: This Mexican lager adds a noticeable but balanced beer flavor and fits the Southwestern inspiration for this recipe.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides the rich, familiar cheese flavor that makes macaroni and cheese so satisfying. Freshly grated cheese is preferable for a smooth sauce.
• Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a mild, creamy complement to the sharper cheddar.
• New Mexico Chile Powder: Brings a little Southwestern character and mild warmth without overpowering the beer and cheese. I personally prefer Chimayo for it’s warm heat level and amazing flavor. Any New Mexico Red Chile Powder will work. If you’re unfamiliar with the different varieties, my guide to New Mexico chile powder and how it differs from chili seasoning, explains what to look for when choosing a chile powder.
• Butter and Flour: These form the roux that thickens the cheese sauce.
• Whole milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Reserved pasta water: The starchy water can help adjust the consistency of the finished sauce.

How To Make Beer Mac and Cheese

This easy stovetop beer mac and cheese comes together in a few simple steps. You’ll cook the macaroni, prepare a creamy beer cheese sauce and combine everything for a Southwestern-inspired macaroni and cheese.

1. Step 1: Grate The Cheese: When grating this much cheese, make it easy on yourself and use your food processor.
2. Step 2: Cook The Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Reserve some of the pasta water before draining.

3. Step 3: Make the roux. IMelt the butter in a saucepan and stir in the flour. Cook, stirring, until the mixture is smooth and the flour is incorporated.
4. Step 4: Add the beer and milk: Gradually incorporate the liquid ingredients, following the recipe’s specified amounts and sequence. Stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

5. Step 5: Add the cheese and chile powder. Lower the heat and gradually incorporate the grated cheddar, Monterey Jack and New Mexico red chile powder. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Combine with the macaroni. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until thoroughly coated. Adjust the consistency with a little reserved pasta water, if needed, and serve warm.

What To Serve With It

Looking to start things out with an appetizer? To keep the Southwestern theme, serve this creamy beer mac and cheese alongside Homemade Black Bean and Corn Salsa, for a fresh contrast to the rich cheese sauce.”

This creamy beer mac and cheese makes a flavorful side dish for grilled meats. I especially like serving it with burgers like my recipe for Jalapeno Steak Sauce Burgers. and other casual comfort food favorites, like these Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders. Its mild chile warmth also makes it a natural fit for a Southwestern-inspired meal.

Serve it alongside Easy Grilled Ham Steak, for a quick dinner. For a lighter meal, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a Red Wine Vinegar Dressing or Southwestern Sauteed Mixed Vegetables.

Variations and Additions

You can adapt this beer mac and cheese to be a main course with a few additions.

• Bacon: Cooked, crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty element that complements the cheddar and beer.
• Green chiles: Roasted green chiles can add another Southwestern flavor. Keep in mind that they will change the flavor and heat level of the finished dish.
• Grilled chicken: Add cooked, sliced Mexican Grilled Chicken to turn this side dish into a more substantial meal.
• Smoked sausage: Sliced, fully cooked smoked sausage is another hearty addition that pairs well with the beer and cheese.

Recipe for Beer Mac and Cheese

This is a creamy beautiful bowl of macaroni and cheese unique and crisp using Mexican Beer. I hope you give this Beer Macaroni and Cheese Recipe a try.

More Classic American Comfort Food Mac and Cheese Recipes

Love pasta dishes as much as we do here On The Ranch? Don’t miss my Pasta Category. You’ll find lots of great recipes, including the most popular mac and cheese recipe on my site for Flemings Steakhouse Mac and Cheese. Straight from the Executive Chef, a very special recipe.

If you’re looking for another way to bring Southwestern flavors to the dinner table, try my Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta with its rich, flavorful sauce.