Macaroni and cheese is a timeless comfort food, a dish that evokes warm memories and satisfied sighs. But what happens when you take this classic and infuse it with a vibrant, zesty kick? Prepare for a flavor explosion with this recipe for Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef, Salsa, and Green Chiles! This isn’t your grandma’s mac and cheese; it’s a fiesta in a bowl, a spicy, cheesy, meaty adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or anytime you’re in the mood for something comforting yet exciting. The combination of creamy, cheesy macaroni with the savory ground beef, the tangy salsa, and the subtly spicy green chiles creates a symphony of flavors that will delight even the most discerning palates. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for creating this culinary masterpiece.
**Ingredients:**
* **Pasta:** 1 pound elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape). Elbow macaroni is classic for mac and cheese, but penne, rotini, shells, or even cavatappi work beautifully. Choose a shape that holds the cheese sauce well.
* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio). The fat adds flavor and richness. You can substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option, but you might need to add a little olive oil to the pan during browning.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Yellow onions provide a good balance of sweetness and sharpness.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly minced garlic is always best for maximum flavor. If you’re using jarred minced garlic, use about 1 teaspoon.
* **Salsa:** 1 1/2 cups salsa (your favorite variety). Choose a salsa that you enjoy. Mild, medium, or hot salsa will all work, depending on your spice preference. Chunky salsa adds texture, while smoother salsa blends more seamlessly into the sauce.
* **Green Chiles:** 4 ounces canned diced green chiles, undrained. Green chiles add a subtle heat and a distinctive Southwestern flavor. You can use mild or hot green chiles, depending on your preference.
* **Butter:** 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter. Butter creates a rich base for the cheese sauce.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Flour thickens the cheese sauce. Make sure to whisk it well with the butter to avoid lumps.
* **Milk:** 3 cups milk (whole milk or 2% milk). Whole milk creates a richer, creamier sauce, but 2% milk works well too. Avoid using skim milk, as it may not result in a thick enough sauce.
* **Cheese:** 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, or a combination). Sharp cheddar provides a more pronounced cheese flavor, while mild cheddar is more subtle. You can also use a combination of cheddar and other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste. Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste. Black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado slices, sliced green onions.
**Equipment:**
* Large pot for boiling pasta
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Cheese grater
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* 9×13 inch baking dish (optional, for baking)
**Instructions:**
**1. Cook the Pasta:**
* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt to the water seasons the pasta from the inside out.
* Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it means the pasta should be firm but cooked through. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the mac and cheese.
* Drain the pasta well and set aside. Don’t rinse the pasta, as the starch helps the sauce adhere to it.
**2. Brown the Ground Beef:**
* While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. Removing the excess grease prevents the mac and cheese from becoming overly greasy.
**3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:**
* Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Softening the onions before adding the garlic prevents the garlic from burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
**4. Add Salsa and Green Chiles:**
* Stir in the salsa and diced green chiles. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Simmering the salsa and green chiles allows their flavors to infuse into the ground beef mixture.
* Remove the ground beef mixture from the skillet and set aside.
**5. Make the Cheese Sauce:**
* In the same skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that thickens the sauce. Cooking the roux removes the starchy taste of the flour.
* Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Continue whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If lumps do form, you can use an immersion blender to smooth out the sauce.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
**6. Add the Cheese:**
* Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adding the cheese gradually prevents it from clumping.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
**7. Combine Everything:**
* Add the cooked pasta and the ground beef mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined. Make sure all the pasta is coated with the cheese sauce.
**8. Serve or Bake (Optional):**
* Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado slices, or sliced green onions, if desired.
* **To Bake:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the macaroni and cheese into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Baking the mac and cheese creates a crispy top and allows the flavors to meld even further.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Spice it up:** For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You can also use hot salsa or hot green chiles.
* **Add more vegetables:** Stir in other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans, to the ground beef mixture. These vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to the dish.
* **Use different cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even a little bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess. Different cheeses will create different flavor profiles.
* **Top with breadcrumbs:** For a crispy topping, sprinkle the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs before baking. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs. Toss the breadcrumbs with melted butter for extra flavor and crispness.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as black beans, corn, and bell peppers, for a vegetarian version. You can also add crumbled tofu or tempeh for a protein boost.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** Brown the ground beef, onions and garlic in a skillet and drain. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, except the cheese. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking, until melted.
* **Make it ahead:** You can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a splash of milk before baking to keep it from drying out. This is a great option for meal prepping or for entertaining.
* **Creamy Sauce Secret:** For an extra creamy sauce, try adding 2-4 ounces of cream cheese to the cheese sauce. This will result in a richer, smoother texture.
* **Pasta Water Power:** Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
* **Don’t overcook the pasta:** Make sure to cook the pasta al dente. If you overcook it, the pasta will become mushy in the cheese sauce.
* **Shred your own cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Shredding your own cheese ensures a smoother, creamier sauce.
**Nutritional Information (Approximate):**
(Per serving, based on 6 servings)
* Calories: 600-700
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
(Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
**Serving Suggestions:**
This Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef, Salsa, and Green Chiles is a complete meal in itself, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic summertime side dish that complements the Southwestern flavors of the mac and cheese.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.
* **Garlic Bread:** Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious cheese sauce.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus provide a healthy and nutritious side dish.
**Conclusion:**
This recipe for Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef, Salsa, and Green Chiles is a delicious and easy way to elevate a classic comfort food. The combination of creamy, cheesy macaroni with the savory ground beef, tangy salsa, and subtly spicy green chiles is a flavor sensation that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a mac and cheese masterpiece! Enjoy the fiesta in your bowl!
Experiment with the toppings! Some people like to add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, while others prefer sliced avocado for extra creaminess. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro always brightens the flavors. Don’t be afraid to customize your Mac and Cheese with Ground Beef, Salsa, and Green Chiles to create your perfect bowl of comfort food with a kick!
This dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. The flavors are bold and exciting, yet the recipe is simple and straightforward enough for even novice cooks. Serve it at your next potluck, game day gathering, or family dinner, and watch as it disappears in minutes. Prepare for rave reviews and requests for the recipe! The versatility of this recipe also makes it a great option for using up leftover ingredients. Have some leftover cooked ground beef or salsa? Toss it in with the mac and cheese for a quick and easy meal.
So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and experience the ultimate Mac and Cheese Fiesta! You won’t be disappointed.