Picadillo And Macaroni Con Queso

Ingredients:

Picadillo:

1-1/2 lbs ground beef

1/4 diced onion

2 TBS minced garlic

2 medium-large potatoes

1-2 jalapeños diced (seeded and deveined)

Spices: garlic salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder.

Sauté onion, jalapeños, and minced garlic in oil. Add ground beef and cook till almost done. Add diced potatoes. Simmer until potatoes are almost done. Add seasonings and continue to cook until potatoes are soft and tender.

Macaroni con queso:

1-1/2 cups Macaroni

1/4 onion diced

2TBS minced garlic

1-can diced tomatoes

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1/2 cup shredded cheese

Spices: garlic salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, caldo de pollo.

Instructions:

Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.

Add macaroni and lightly brown.

Add can of diced tomatoes.

Add water to fill just above macaroni (I usually use 1-1/2 of the can of tomatoes to measure).

Add cilantro and seasonings, stir.

Bring to a boil.

Once the water is boiling turn heat down cover and simmer until macaroni is tender.

Make sure you leave some juices as to not dry it out.

Add cheese and stir.

Add your favorite vegetables to your meal.

Hope you enjoy.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in the Picadillo?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to make a lighter version of the dish.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as turkey and chicken may require less time to cook.

Can I use different types of pasta instead of macaroni in the Macaroni con Queso?

Yes, you can use different types of pasta such as penne, elbow macaroni, or shells instead of macaroni.

Choose a pasta shape that you enjoy and adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the package instructions.

Is it necessary to add all the listed spices, or can I customize them according to my taste preferences?

The listed spices provide a recommended flavor profile for the dish, but you can certainly customize them according to your taste preferences.

Feel free to adjust the amounts of garlic salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and caldo de pollo to suit your liking.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make vegetarian or vegan adaptations to this recipe.

For the Picadillo, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or even use a mixture of finely chopped vegetables and beans.

For the Macaroni con Queso, you can use vegan cheese and omit the meat-based ingredients, adding more vegetables or vegan protein alternatives instead.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later. Store the Picadillo and Macaroni con Queso separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, reheat each component separately on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, and then combine them before serving.

Can I make a milder version of Picadillo by reducing the amount of jalapeños?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the Picadillo by reducing the amount of jalapeños or omitting them altogether.

Customize the level of heat to your preference by adjusting the quantity of jalapeños or using milder chili peppers if desired.

Can I use different types of cheese in the Macaroni con Queso?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese according to your taste. While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, you can experiment with different varieties such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses to add your desired flavor and meltiness.

Can I add additional vegetables to the Picadillo for extra flavor and nutrition?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables to the Picadillo is a great idea. You can incorporate diced bell peppers, carrots, or peas to enhance the flavor and add more nutritional value.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness.