Chile Macaroni Con Queso Style
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: One-Dish Meal
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Mexican, Kid-Friendly
Description
Chile Macaroni Con Queso is the epitome of comforting, hearty, and satisfying family meals. This variation of a classic recipe is a personal creation of mine, influenced by a good friend’s version. It’s perfect for a chilly winter evening when you’re craving a dish that brings warmth and joy. The combination of tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, and a melty, cheesy topping is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. For cheese lovers, feel free to add more cheese than the recipe calls for! Additionally, you can make it a bit lighter by using low-fat shredded cheese and opting for low-carb elbow macaroni. Pair it with a simple salad, and you’ve got a quick and satisfying meal ready to serve!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 1 lb |
| Diced tomatoes | 2 cans (14.5 oz each) |
| Monterey Jack cheese, shredded | 1 ½ cups |
| Elbow macaroni | 1 package (8 oz) |
| Green onions | 1 bunch |
| Scallions (optional, for garnish) | 1–2 stalks |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 706.3 kcal |
| Fat | 31.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 133.3 mg |
| Sodium | 1156.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 58.8 g |
| Fiber | 6.1 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Protein | 46.5 g |
Instructions
-
Cook the Elbow Macaroni:
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the directions on the package. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly. -
Prepare the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat. As the beef cooks, break it up into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning (or your favorite seasoning blend) and mix well. Set aside. -
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni, the browned ground beef, and the two cans of diced tomatoes. Make sure everything is well mixed. -
Add the Cheese:
Take ¾ of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and stir it into the macaroni and beef mixture, ensuring it melts and combines with the ingredients. -
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Grease a large lasagna or casserole pan with a light coat of non-stick spray or a drizzle of olive oil. Transfer the macaroni mixture into the pan, spreading it out evenly. -
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a cheesy, bubbly crust when baked. -
Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and lightly browned. -
Serve:
Once the Chile Macaroni Con Queso is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it into squares or serve it family-style with a side of fresh salad or your favorite vegetables.
Tips & Variations
- Cheese Lovers: Add more Monterey Jack cheese or experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Low Carb Option: For a lower-carb version, substitute the elbow macaroni with low-carb pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add diced green chilies or jalapeños to the dish for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a meatless alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Chile Macaroni Con Queso Style is a delicious, satisfying, and family-friendly meal that comes together quickly. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy meal for your family, this dish is sure to please everyone. The combination of savory ground beef, melty cheese, and tender macaroni makes for an irresistible meal that will become a go-to comfort food in your home. Add a simple green salad on the side to balance out the richness of the dish and enjoy the flavors of a classic comfort meal with a twist.
