Mac & Cheese with Black Beans, Shredded Chicken & Jalapeño

Name: Mac & Cheese with Black Beans, Shredded Chicken & Jalapeño
Prep time: 15 s
Cook time: 70 s
Total time: 90 s
Yield: 8
Cuisine: americano
Ingredients: 1 package (40 ounces) STOUFFER'S Family Size Macaroni & Cheese; 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 2 cloves garlicfinely chopped; 1 cup cookedshredded chicken breast meat; 1 cup canned black beans or garbanzo beansdrained and rinsed; 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilesdrained; 1 jalapeñoseeded and chopped; 2 teaspoons southwest seasoning*; Garnish: Fresh cilantro leaves and chopped tomatoes (optional)

Official STOUFFER'S®

Level

Easy

Prep

15 min

Cook

1 hr 10 min

Servings

8 servings, 4 servings per casserole dish

Black beans and chicken added to macaroni and cheese make a full and hearty meal. The jalapeños add heat for extra flavor. This recipe makes a double batch which is perfect for busy weeknight meals. Make one for now and freeze the other one for later.

STOUFFER'S® KEY INGREDIENT

Mac & Cheese

Macaroni & Cheese

Family Size

INGREDIENTS

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1 package (40 ounces) STOUFFER'S Family Size Macaroni & Cheese
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1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
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1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
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1/4 cup diced red onion
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2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
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1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast meat
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1 cup canned black beans or garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles, drained
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1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
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2 teaspoons southwest seasoning*
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Garnish: Fresh cilantro leaves and chopped tomatoes (optional)

MAKE IT

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Step 2

Bake Macaroni & Cheese according to package directions for 45 minutes or until just thawed and can be easily stirred. While macaroni is cooking, proceed with recipe.

Step 3

Heat oil in medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and onion; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in garlic; cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Remove from heat; stir in chicken, black beans, chiles, jalapeño and southwest seasoning.

Step 4

Remove Macaroni & Cheese from oven; remove clear seal and empty into a large bowl. Gently fold in chicken mixture. Divide mixture into two 8-inch-square casserole dishes. Cover one dish with plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.

Step 5

Bake remaining casserole dish for 25 to 30 minutes or until fully heated and bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and tomatoes, if desired.

Step 6

* Southwest seasoning can be replaced with 1½ teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper and salt.

Step 7

To bake frozen casserole: Thaw casserole overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 375° F. Remove plastic wrap and foil. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until fully heated and bubbly.