Macaroni and Cheese with Ground Beef, Salsa and Green Chiles

Ingredients and Weight:

• Macaroni - 400 grams
• Ground Beef - 500 grams
• Cheddar Cheese - 200 grams (shredded or cubed)
• Salsa - 1 cup
• Green Chiles - 1 can (around 4-6 oz)
• Butter - 50 grams
• Milk - 2 cups
• Salt and Pepper - to taste
• Onion, diced - 1 medium
• Garlic, minced - 3 cloves

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the macaroni until tender, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is no longer red. Drain excess fat.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter and add the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted.
5. Add the milk to the cheese mixture and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add the cooked macaroni, ground beef, salsa, and green chiles to the cheese sauce. Mix well.
7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbling and lightly browned on top.

Nutritional Information: (per serving)

• Calories: approximately 500-600 (depending on additional ingredients and cooking oil used)
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 45-55g
• Protein: 25-30g

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and rich from the cheese sauce.
• Spicy and flavorful from the salsa and green chiles.
• Hearty and satisfying as a main dish or side dish.

User Comments:

1. "This dish is a perfect blend of flavors! The ground beef adds a hearty texture to the macaroni and cheese."
2. "The salsa and green chiles give this dish a nice kick, making it perfect for those who enjoy spicy food."
3. "This is a great dish for a family meal. Everyone loved it!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use full-fat milk and cheese for a richer, creamier dish.
• Adjust the amount of salsa and green chiles according to your preference for spice level.
• Make sure to cook the macaroni to the right texture, otherwise it might become mushy during baking.