Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary adventure that combines the best of two worlds - classic American mac and cheese meets the bold, vibrant flavors of Cuban cuisine! This isn't just another mac and cheese recipe; it's a flavor explosion that will transform your dinner table and tantalize your taste buds with its irresistible combination of crispy shredded beef, creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy green onion bread crumb topping. Prepare to fall in love with the most exciting mac and cheese you've ever tasted!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Cuban
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 lb vaca frita, shredded
- 2 cups cheese sauce
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of elbow macaroni, 1 lb of vaca frita (shredded), 2 cups of cheese sauce, 1/2 cup of bread crumbs, 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the macaroni is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and set aside. Make sure to reserve a small amount of pasta water in case you need to loosen the cheese sauce later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir until the macaroni is evenly coated. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Next, fold in the shredded vaca frita into the macaroni and cheese mixture. Ensure that the vaca frita is evenly distributed throughout.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the vaca frita may already have some seasoning, so taste before adding too much salt.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and chopped green onions. Mix well, then sprinkle this topping evenly over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the dish set a bit.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your Cuban Vaca Frita Mac Cheese!
Tips
- For the most authentic flavor, use freshly shredded vaca frita that's been perfectly crispy and seasoned.
- Don't overcook the macaroni - aim for al dente to prevent a mushy texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Use a high-quality cheese sauce for maximum flavor impact.
- The bread crumb topping is crucial - make sure it's evenly spread for that perfect crispy crunch.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- For extra indulgence, consider adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before baking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
