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Cool Ranch Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese has the flavor profile of Cool Ranch Doritos. There is also some ground beef and cauliflower for good measure.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Pound Mild Cheddar
  • 1 Pound Colby
  • The Pasta ingredient no longer exists. Try re-saving this recipe.
  • 3/4 Pound Beef or Bacon
  • 1 Quart Buttermilk
  • 1/4 Cup Butter
  • 1/4 Cup Flour
  • 1 Medium Onion
  • 3 Cloves Garlic
  • 2 Tablespoons Chopped Chive
  • 2 Tablespoons Chopped Cilantro
  • 2 Teaspoons Paprika
  • 1 Head Cauliflower

Instructions

  • Grate the cheeses, dice the onion, mince the garlic, break up the head of cauliflower into bite sized pieces. Bring the pasta water to a boil. Cook the meat in a pot to brown and remove from the pot. Remove most of the fat from the pot but leave some to cook the onion in. Cook the onion for about 7 minutes until just about to brown. Add the garlic and cook 2 minutes. Add the butter, and shortly after, the flour. Mix well to prevent burning or clumping. Cook about 3 minutes while stirring. Whisk in the buttermilk and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Add the cheese, stirring until melted. Meanwhile, drop in your pasta to the boiling water. After a few minutes, toss the cauliflower in there too to get it cooking. Strain when the pasta is still a little undercooked. In a large bowl, or even just the pan you are going to bake it in, mix together the pasta, cauliflower, meat, sauce, paprika, chive, and cilantro. Stir well. Top with cool ranch dorito crumbles and toss in a hot oven. I baked it at 500 for 8-10 minutes and it was perfect.