Welcome to the ultimate guide for making Green Chili Mac and Cheese, a mouth-watering fusion dish that combines the comforting goodness of macaroni and cheese with the zesty kick of green chili. Perfect for dinners, gatherings, or simply when you crave something uniquely delicious, this recipe will guide you step by step to culinary perfection. Let’s dive into the world of flavors with this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to deliver not only on taste but also on a memorable cooking experience.
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 diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
- 1 can 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: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the diced sweet onion to the skillet, cooking until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, around 1 minute.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the Flavors: Stir in the low-sodium chicken broth, Ragu® Old World Style® Traditional Pasta Sauce, diced tomatoes with green chili peppers, and undrained mild chili beans. Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors together beautifully.
- Cook the Macaroni: Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture, stirring to ensure the pasta is well-coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the mixture is creamy and delicious.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, zesty flavors of your Green Chili Mac and Cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
- Top with crispy breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or beef for a complete meal.
Tips
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavor profiles.
- To make it even creamier, you can add a dollop of sour cream to the cheese sauce.
Creamy Green Chili Mac and Cheese takes the beloved classic to new heights with a spicy and zesty twist. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as the main event, this fusion of flavors is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So, heat things up in the kitchen and indulge in the delicious comfort of this mac and cheese with a Southwestern flair.
