Green Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe
Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful twist on the classic mac and cheese? Look no further than this Green Chili Mac and Cheese recipe! Combining the creamy richness of macaroni and cheese with the bold flavors of green chili, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Follow along as we walk you through the steps to creating this mouthwatering masterpiece.
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Ingredients for Green Chili Mac and Cheese:
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| Amount | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | Extra virgin olive oil |
| 1 | Medium sweet onion, finely diced |
| 3 | Cloves of garlic, minced |
| 1 lb | Lean ground beef |
| 2 cups | Low-sodium chicken broth |
| 2 cups | Ragu® Old World Style® Traditional Pasta Sauce |
| 1 can | Diced tomatoes with green chili peppers |
| 1 can | Mild chili beans, not drained |
| 1 tsp | Chili powder |
| 1 tsp | Cumin |
| To taste | Salt and ground black pepper |
| 1 ½ cups | Uncooked elbow macaroni |
| ¾ cup | Shredded Cheddar cheese |
| ¼ cup | Chopped fresh parsley |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Green Chili Mac and Cheese:
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1. Prep the Ingredients:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil.
2. Saute the Aromatics:
- Add the diced sweet onion to the skillet and cook until soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. 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 thoroughly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Blend 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 with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the Mixture:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Cook the Macaroni:
- In a separate pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain well.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture, stirring to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
8. Add Cheese:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
9. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and savor the delightful flavors of your Green Chili Mac and Cheese.
Suggestions for Serving:
- For added texture, top with crispy breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips.
- Enhance the flavor by incorporating cooked and crumbled bacon into the dish.
- Serve as a delectable side dish alongside grilled chicken or beef for a complete and satisfying meal.
