I thought I'd tinker with the recipe and see if I could adapt this with a Mexican/Southwestern theme and see if I could create my own version of my childhood memory.
I discovered Avocado Oil at Trader Joe's and like using it in lieu of olive oil, because it has a higher smoke point. If you ever spot it, buy some! It's great. Once I browned the ground beef, I added a chopped onion and red bell pepper.
I always keep a can of mild diced green chiles in my pantry. They are very mild, since I'm sensitive to really hot peppers. Okay, then, we mix this right up...
So, now we build the "sauce" by adding some flour...
Here's what I love about the ease of this recipe. You add everything into one pan! First, some beef broth, then some whole milk.
Give it all a gentle stir, and then add some elbow macaroni pasta. Put on the lid and set the timer for about 12 minutes.
For the final touch, add the cheeses and stir until melted.
Less than 30 minutes later, dinner is ready!
TASTING NOTES: This recipe is "Hamburger Helper" on steroids. You wont' find this in a box, that's for sure! The taste was hard for me to come up with a name for it. Taco Mac 'N Cheese? Yes. Enchilada Mac 'N Cheese? Yes, that could work. Tamale Mac? Sure! This was a big hit, and my son really, REALLY enjoyed it. Since he's a bachelor, living on his own, I sent the rest of it home with him.
This is total comfort food, and something that tastes even better the next day-- or will freeze really well.
Today, it's gorgeous and sunny outside, so I'm starting to think "grilling season" is just around the corner! Yay!
As always, here's a printable recipe card:
Love those one pot meals and this one has a little of everything.
ReplyDeleteMy husband John lived on those box meals in college. I will make this for him this week and help him relive those glory days! Remember tuna helper too???! Haha
ReplyDeleteYum! I love these one pan dishes like American Chop Suey that I was brought up on. Pure comfort food. Any chance you could post your taco seasoning mix? I cannot seem to find one I like, and the package ones taste like pure salt. I'm betting yours is worth trying. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI could not find your taco seasoning mix in your recipes. Please tell me where to find, have been trying to make my own.
ReplyDelete