Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Mac 'n Cheese
As a professional chef I know that I can hand out fancy, delicious complex recipes to people all day but most people won't take the time to execute on them during their normal lives. This is a simple and easy recipe that should keep your family happy on a busy day without causing you any stress since it's a set it and forget it type of recipe.
Ingredients
2 lb lean ground beef OR ground turkey
12 oz dried elbow macaroni
3 cups (12 oz) shredded mexican cheese blend
1 onion, chopped
1 jar (16 oz) salsa (your preference)
1 jar (15 oz) cheese dip
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, undrained
1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced, pitted black olives, drained
Directions
1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef/turkey and onion until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat and transfer meat mixture to a 4 1/2- to 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Add mexican blend cheese, salsa, cheese dip, undrained chile peppers and olives. Stir until combined.
3. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 5 1/2 to 6 hours (do not use high heat setting).
4. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain very well. Then stir macaroni into mixture in cooker.
