Chili Mac and Cheese

The other day, I was thinking back to when Z and I first got together. I was a young new bride and didn’t know much about cooking.

So, I did what any other sane person would do……..

I went for the man’s heart and I bought Hamburger Helper! Awe yeah! You know you do did too! Right????

I remember being in the grocery store and thinking……..”Man! They have a million different varieties! They have Cheesy Hamburger Helper, Hamburger Stroganoff, Bacon Cheeseburger, Cheesy Broccoli.” *It was like I was in that scene from Forrest Gump….. Shrimp creole…..

One for every night of the week! I had totally SCORED!

Fast forward 11 years later and the man can hardly look at a box of it without his stomach turning.

I have to say though, this homemade Chili Mac and Cheese recipe conquered his fear had him coming back for more. Your’s will too…. not to mention your kids will love it as well!

From the cheesy macaroni,

To the diced tomatoes with green chiles. Your family will be hooked with the first bite.

The only thing I can suggest is that you may just want to double the recipe!

*Now, the only thing I need to work on is his fear of Shake-N-Bake!

Recipe: Chili Mac and Cheese

– 1 lb. Ground Beef

– 1 tsp. Canola Oil

– 2 tsp. Chili Powder

– 1 tsp. Garlic Powder

– 1 tsp. Cumin

– 2 cups Lower Sodium Beef Broth

– 1 cup Water

– 1 (10oz) can Mild Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles, Undrained

– 12 oz. Uncooked Elbow Macaroni (*Go for whole wheat if you can find it!)

– 1/2 cup Fat-Free Milk

– 4 oz. 1/3-less-fat Cream Cheese (about 1/2 cup)

– 4 1/2 oz. Reduced- Fat Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Directions:

– Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add oil, and swirl to coat. Add beef , chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Cook meat until no longer pink and cooked through. Drain Meat in a colander.

– Return meat to pot and add broth, water, and tomatoes. Bring to a Boil.

– Stir in macaroni, cover and cook 10 minutes or until macaroni is done.

– Heat milk and cream cheese in a saucepan over medium heat.

– Cook 4 minutes or until cheese melts stirring frequently. Remove from heat.

– Stir in cheddar.

– Add cheese sauce to macaroni mixture and toss well.

– Serve immediately. Goes great with Roasted Broccoli or Salad!