Green Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced small
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups Ragu® Old World Style® Traditional Pasta Sauce
- 1 can (about 14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
- 1 can (about 15.5 ounces) mild chili beans, undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- ¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil, ensuring the bottom of the pan is well-coated.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the diced sweet onion to the skillet. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break the beef apart with a spoon, cooking until it is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Combine the Flavors: Add the low-sodium chicken broth, Ragu® pasta sauce, diced tomatoes with green chili peppers, and the undrained mild chili beans to the skillet. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Cook the Macaroni: While the sauce simmers, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated and the ingredients are well distributed.
- Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese until it melts completely and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for added color and freshness. Serve the Green Chili Mac and Cheese hot, allowing the comforting and zesty flavors to shine.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enhance the crunch with a topping of crispy breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips.
- Include cooked and crumbled bacon for a richer flavor profile.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or beef as a hearty side dish.
Additional Tips:
- Modify the heat level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- Try different cheeses like smoked gouda or pepper jack for a twist on the traditional flavor.
- For an extra creamy texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the cheese sauce before mixing with the pasta.
This recipe provides a delicious blend of traditional comfort food with a spicy kick, making it perfect for those looking to spice up their mac and cheese experience!
