Need a quick, satisfying dinner? A box of mac and cheese plus a few pantry staples transforms into a bold Southwestern Mac and Cheese the whole family will love.
This post was created in partnership with Horizon Organic. All opinions are my own.
Some days feel nonstop, and suddenly it’s almost dinnertime and you haven’t figured out a meal. Instead of ordering out or stressing, open the pantry: boxed mac and cheese is a dependable base that can be dressed up quickly.
This Southwestern Mac and Cheese is a simple, budget-friendly dinner built from a familiar pantry lineup—mac and cheese, canned beans, canned corn, and salsa—for big flavor with minimal effort.
Mac and cheese is a go-to for many households. By adding a few high-impact items you likely already have, the dish becomes heartier and more balanced—perfect for feeding kids and adults alike.
I took a box of Horizon Classic Mac and mixed in black beans, corn, and a cup of salsa to create this Southwestern version. The salsa brings brightness and spice while the beans and corn add texture and protein.
If you don’t always keep those exact ingredients on hand, you can adapt easily. Swap in what you have—chopped tomatoes, cooked chicken, bell peppers, or a different type of bean would all work. The idea is to use boxed mac as a quick canvas for pantry flavors.
Dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious. This version uses Horizon Classic Mac, made with organic pasta and real organic cheese—not the neon orange you’re used to seeing—with 9 grams of protein per serving so it feels a bit more nourishing.
Southwestern Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 6 oz box Horizon Classic Mac – Macaroni & Mild Cheddar Cheese, (plus ¼ cup milk and 2 Tbsp butter as directed on the box)
- 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 15 oz can corn, drained
- 1 cup medium or hot salsa
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
Instructions
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Prepare the boxed mac and cheese according to package directions, using the recommended milk and butter.
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While the pasta cooks, heat the rinsed and drained black beans in the microwave for about 2 minutes and keep warm.
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Heat the drained corn in the microwave for about 2 minutes and keep warm.
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When the mac and cheese is ready, fold in the heated beans and corn. Stir in the salsa and warm through. If you want extra cheesiness, add shredded cheddar or pepper jack and stir until melted. Serve hot.
Notes
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