Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese with Adobo Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups cooked macaroni
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, egg, garlic, adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs and set aside.
3. In a large pot over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the meatballs and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the flour and stir until well combined. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the cheddar cheese, chipotle peppers, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, thyme, and oregano. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Add the cooked macaroni and stir until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the macaroni and cheese warm, topped with the adobo meatballs.

Interesting Facts

• Adobo sauce is a spicy Mexican sauce made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices.
• Chipotle peppers are smoked jalapeno peppers that are canned in adobo sauce.
• Smoked paprika is a type of paprika that has been smoked over a wood fire, giving it a smoky flavor.