Ingredients:
- 1 box of penne pasta
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 onion
- 1 handful mushrooms
- 1 can Rotel crushed tomatoes
- 1 block Velveeta cheese
- Salt, pepper, granulated garlic, onion powder, chili powder
Directions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by placing a cast iron pan on medium heat and a large pot of water with oil and water on high heat. While the pan and pot are heating up, chop the onion and mushrooms.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan along with salt, pepper, granulated garlic, onion powder, and chili powder. Cook until almost done, then drain any excess grease.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms: Return the cooked ground beef to the pan. Add the chopped onions and mushrooms along with additional seasonings if desired. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Add Crushed Tomatoes: Once the onions and mushrooms are sautéed, pour in the crushed tomatoes. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Melt the Cheese: Cut half of the block of Velveeta cheese into cubes and add them to the pan. Stir until the cheese is melted and creamy, coating the meat and tomato mixture.
- Combine the Ingredients: Once the cheese is fully melted, add the cooked penne pasta to the cast iron pan. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy chili mixture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish out generous portions of the Meaty Cheesy Chili Mac into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
