Green Chile Cheeseburger Macaroni

Ingredients:

2 lbs. ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. chile powder

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

2 tsp. Tabasco

1/2 cup tomato paste

3 Tbsp. flour

2 1/2 cups milk

2 1/2 cups beef broth

1/2 cup Hatch Chile Verde

3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

3 cups dry macaroni noodles

1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions:

In a large pan, over medium heat, add ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic.

Sauté until the beef is fully browned and the onions turn soft and translucent. Drain excess fat and return the mixture to the pan.

Stir in the cumin, chile powder, red pepper flakes, and Tabasco, followed by the tomato paste and flour. Mix until well incorporated.

Pour in the milk, green chiles, and beef broth. Add the dry macaroni, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.

Taste and adjust the seasonings, if necessary. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture and stir until it melts.

Finally, mix in the sour cream until everything is creamy and well blended.

Notes:

Flavor Profile: The combination of cumin, chile powder, and Hatch green chiles brings a southwestern flavor to this creamy, cheesy macaroni dish. The Tabasco adds a little heat and tanginess, while the sour cream provides a nice balance of creaminess.

Customization: If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or Tabasco. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes altogether.

Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a leaner option. You can also swap cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses for a different flavor.

Hatch Green Chile: If you can’t find Hatch green chiles, you can substitute with canned green chiles or fresh roasted poblanos. Hatch chiles have a unique taste, so using them will bring out the authentic New Mexican flavor.

Macaroni Cooking Tip: Since the macaroni is cooked in the sauce, it absorbs a lot of flavor as it softens. Keep an eye on the liquid level to ensure the pasta doesn’t dry out; you may need to add a splash of broth or milk if it gets too thick.

Make Ahead: This dish is a great candidate for meal prep. Prepare the recipe in advance and refrigerate it. It reheats well, though you may need to add a bit of milk or broth when reheating to maintain its creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to add some freshness to the meal. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with something light can balance the richness.

Leftover Ideas: If you have leftovers, you can turn them into a baked casserole by topping the dish with extra cheese and baking it until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork if you prefer.

Ground turkey or chicken will make the dish leaner, but the flavor may be slightly different.

How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has a moderate level of spice due to the chile powder, red pepper flakes, and Tabasco.

If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and use mild green chiles.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar is the recommended cheese, but you can try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a Mexican blend.

For extra spice, pepper jack is a great option.

What can I substitute for Hatch green chiles?

If you can’t find Hatch green chiles, you can use canned green chiles, roasted poblanos, or even jalapeños (if you like more heat).

The flavor will vary slightly, but these are good alternatives.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When reheating, you may need to add a bit of milk or broth to maintain the creamy consistency.

Can I freeze Green Chile Cheeseburger Macaroni?

Yes, it freezes well. Let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheat it in a skillet or microwave, adding a little broth or milk to rehydrate the pasta and sauce.

What pasta can I use instead of macaroni?

You can substitute any small pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells.

The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta’s doneness.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Can I use milk alternatives in this recipe?

Yes, you can use milk alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.

Just be mindful that these may alter the flavor slightly, especially coconut milk.

Opt for unsweetened varieties for the best results.

Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?

While this recipe is typically made on the stovetop, you could adapt it for a slow cooker.

Brown the ground beef and onions first, then transfer everything except the cheese and sour cream to the slow cooker.

Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring in the cheese and sour cream at the end.