Chili and macaroni and cheese combine in this comforting vegetarian meal. Flavorful vegetable chili, elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheese sauce makes this a hearty and nourishing meal even meat eaters will enjoy.
Two15 ozcans of beansdrained (I used black beans and kidney beans)
2cupswater
3cupselbow macaroni
Cheese sauce:
2tablespoonsbutter
2tablespoonsflour
1 ½cupsmilk
¼teaspoonsalt
⅛teaspoonpepper
3cupsgrated cheddar cheesedivided
Chopped parsleyto garnish if desired
Instructions
Chili:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute onion, bell peppers, carrot, and garlic in 2 tablespoons olive oil for about 10 minutes. Add chili seasoning mix, salt, Morningstar Farms Grillers Crumbles, green chiles, and corn. Stir to combine. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and water. Stir to combine. Raise heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add macaroni. Continue to boil, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is cooked through (about 10 minutes). If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, you can add more water (½ cup at a time). Meanwhile, prepare the cheese sauce.
Cheese sauce:
Melt butter in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until combined. Pour in the milk, while whisking, then add the salt and pepper. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the milk simmers and thickens slightly (do not boil). Stir in 2 cups of grated cheese. Remove from heat.
Once the pasta is tender, pour the cheese sauce into the chili mac, and stir to combine. Season to taste with additional salt. Use the remaining cup of grated cheddar to sprinkle over each serving.
Notes
Make sure you use a chili seasoning mix which is a blend of spices instead of just plain chili powder. Adjust the amount (from 4-6 tablespoons) based on your personal preference.