Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese with Adobo Meatballs

May 31, 2023May 31, 20230 0
Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese with Adobo Meatballs
in Pasta

Prep

20 min

Cook

35 min

Ready In

55 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 package elbow macaroni
3/4 pound lean ground beef
3 tablespoons adobo seasoning
2 teaspoons powdered jalapeno pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons butter
1/4 cup cream
1 cup light sour cream
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups fat-free cottage cheese
1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
salt and white pepper to taste
1 cup canned diced green chiles

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
755
Sugar
7g
Fat
43g
This Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese is a hearty and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. With its melted cheese and spicy meatballs, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a potluck party. The mac and cheese is made with a blend of Cheddar, cotija, and cottage cheese, which gives it a tangy and creamy flavor. The adobo seasoning adds a punch of smoky and tangy flavors to the meatballs. This dish is perfect for those looking to branch out and try something new for dinner.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350°F.
2.Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
3.In a large bowl, mix together lean ground beef, adobo seasoning, and powdered jalapeño pepper.
4.Form meat mixture into 16 small meatballs.
5.In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and add meatballs.
6.Cook meatballs, turning occasionally, for 5-6 minutes or until browned all over.
7.In a separate bowl, mix together butter, cream, and light sour cream until smooth.
8.Mix in shredded Cheddar cheese, fat-free cottage cheese, 1/4 cup of crumbled cotija cheese, garlic powder, and canned diced green chiles.
9.Add cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese mixture and stir until well coated.
10.Pour mac and cheese into a large baking dish.
11.Nestle meatballs into mac and cheese mixture.
12.Top with remaining crumbled cotija cheese.
13.Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
14.Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

PROS

This dish is full of bold Southwestern flavors and provides plenty of protein and calcium.

The meatballs add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the mac and cheese.

CONS

This dish is high in calories and doesn’t have a lot of vegetables.

The spice level may be too high for some people.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish is a good source of protein and calcium, which can help support healthy bones and muscles.
Jalapeño peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that has been linked to boosting metabolism and reducing inflammation.

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