Chili con Queso Mac 'n Cheese
A great way to use up leftover chili, this meal combines two recipe favorites – chili and mac 'n cheese!
Ingredients
- 1 pound corkscrew pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole or 2 percent milk
- 3 cups yellow cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- Salt
- 1-2 cups leftover Chili con Carne (or any chili you have leftover), heated up
Preparation
Pre-heat broiler on high or oven at 400°F.
Heat a medium, deep skillet over medium heat. Add oil and butter. When the butter melts into the oil, add the flour and combine. Gently cook, whisking flour and butter together, until smooth and flour has had a chance to cook, about one minute. Slowly add milk while continuing to whisk.
Gently bring milk to a bubble while stirring frequently. Allow the milk to thicken a bit, then stir in two cups of cheese, a handful at a time.
Add 1-2 cups of leftover chili, stir to combine thoroughly.
Taste and add a little salt, if you like. Add cooked pasta to sauce and coat completely by turning over and over in the cheese sauce.
Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Place baking dish under a hot broiler and brown the cheddar cheese on top or place in the oven for a few minutes.
