Chipotle Mac & Cheese

A twist on one of the ultimate comfort foods: mac & cheese.  This recipe makes a lot, so you can cut it in half, freeze half, or invite a friend or two over to help you chow down.  There are two general methods of cooking mac & cheese: on the stovetop or baked.  I prefer stovetop because it keeps it creamy, but I've included baking instructions as well.

Chipotle Mac & Cheese

Serves 8
Total time: About 45 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb elbow or shell pasta
1 medium onion, chopped
1 lb chorizo sausage
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk (low-fat is fine)
2 cups grated cheese, like sharp cheddar or smoked Gouda
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 chipotle pepper in adobo, seeded and minced, plus 1-2 tablespoons adobo sauce (depending on your heat preference)
2 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 cup or more bread crumbs (optional if baking)

Directions:

1.  If baking, preheat the oven to 400ºF.  Cook pasta according to package directions to al dente.  Drain it, rinse it under cold water to stop it cooking, and set aside.  Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven or large pot, cook the onion, chorizo, bell pepper, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is cooked, and drain.

2. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, heat the butter until it is foamy.  Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture browns, about 5 minutes.  Add the milk 1/4 cup at a time, stirring with a whisk all the while.  As soon as the mixture becomes smooth, add more milk and continue to do so until the mixture is thick and smooth.  Add the cheddar and stir.  Add the chipotle, adobo sauce, and spices, and stir.

3.  Combine the pasta, sauce, and meat mixture in the largest pot.  Toss in the Parmesan. If leaving on the stovetop, cover and heat over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until bubbly, and serve.  If baking, transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13" baking dish, top with bread crumbs if using, and bake until bubbling and the crumbs turn brown, about 15 minutes.  Enjoy!

If you want to freeze half, do so after combining everything.  Allow to cool to room temperature before freezing.  To use frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.  Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.  Cover and bake at 350º for 60 minutes. Uncover and bake 8-10 minutes longer or until bubbly.