CHIPOTLE MAC & CHEESE

Chipotle Mac & Cheese image

Beefy and bubbly, this Southwestern pasta bake heats up the dinner hour with a peppery bite. -Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 2 casseroles (4 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) cavatappi or spiral pasta
2 pounds ground beef
2 large onions, chopped
2 large green peppers, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
1/2 cup 2% milk
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro, optional

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions to al dente. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook the beef, onions, green peppers and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain., Stir in the tomatoes, soup, milk, chipotle pepper and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes., Drain pasta; stir into meat mixture. Divide between 2 greased 8-in. square baking dishes; sprinkle with cheese., Cover and bake casseroles at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake until bubbly and cheese is melted, 8-10 minutes longer. If desired, sprinkle with cilantro., Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked casseroles for up to 3 months. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° for 60 minutes. Uncover; bake until bubbly and cheese is melted, 8-10 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 628 calories, Fat 25g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 98mg cholesterol, Sodium 913mg sodium, Carbohydrate 62g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 38g protein.