Cheesy Chipotle Chops Recipe
Description: Another one of those delightful “dig around in the cabinets and make dinner from what I have on hand” meals that turned out so well, even Dan loved it! Perfect for those lazy days when a trip to the grocery store seems like too much effort.
Recipe Overview:
- Name: Cheesy Chipotle Chops
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Recipe Category: Sauces
- Keywords: One Dish Meal, Lunch/Snacks, Pork, Cheese, Meat, Southwestern U.S., Spicy, Savory, < 30 Mins, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 1567.4
- Total Fat: 78.9g
- Saturated Fat: 33.7g
- Cholesterol: 250.2mg
- Sodium: 1760.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 119.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 5.7g
- Sugars: 5.8g
- Protein: 91.7g
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce, minced
- 1-3 tablespoons adobo sauce (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (choose your favorite melty cheese)
- 8 pork chops (thickness depending on preference)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Cook macaroni according to directions on the box, set aside, keeping warm. |
| 2. | Brown chops in oil over medium/high heat for 10 minutes, or until almost cooked through. Adjust cooking time based on chop thickness. |
| 3. | Lower heat to medium/medium-low and remove chops from pan, setting them aside to keep warm. |
| 4. | Sprinkle flour into the pan drippings, stirring to incorporate like making a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate floury taste. |
| 5. | Slowly add milk to the pan, stirring constantly (use a whisk if needed). |
| 6. | Bring the sauce just to a boil, then add minced chipotle chile and adobo sauce to taste. |
| 7. | Gradually add shredded cheese to the sauce, stirring well until melted and smooth. |
| 8. | Return the pork chops to the pan, coating them with the cheese sauce. Cook over low heat for 5-10 minutes until the chops are fully cooked and tender. |
| 9. | Just before serving, stir in chopped cilantro for added flavor. |
| 10. | Serve the cheesy chipotle chops over elbow macaroni and top with chopped tomatoes for a fresh contrast. |
Additional Tips:
- For extra spice, adjust the amount of chipotle chile and adobo sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- Ensure the pork chops are fully cooked to a safe internal temperature (145°F or 63°C).
- Stir the macaroni directly into the pan during the final minutes of cooking to ensure every noodle is thoroughly coated in the cheesy sauce.
This recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal that combines the richness of cheese with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, all served over comforting elbow macaroni. It’s a surefire hit for those busy evenings when you need something delicious and satisfying on the table fast!
