Friday, October 28, 2011

Beefy Cajun Mac

I came across this recipe recently and found out this is the pre-game meal of choice of Drew Brees, quarterback of the New Orleans Saints.  The Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans got on the bandwagon very quickly fashioned this recipe and added it to their tailgate menu on game day Sundays.

This once ordinary throwback from the 70's is now supercharged and comes together in a snap.  You will get two thumbs up for sure from your athletes who need to carb-load before a big game.

Beefy Cajun Mac

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup chopped andouille
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 tablespoon flour
1-1/2 cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon chopped jalapeños
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
3/4 cup uncooked macaroni or pasta of your choice, cooked and drained




Melt the butter in a hot skillet, add andouille and sauté.




Once the andouille is crispy, add ground beef. Break up the ground beef, and cook until the beef is done all the way through.




Stir in flour until smooth.




Add heavy cream...




...and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until mixture thickens.




Add tomatoes, jalapeños, salt, pepper and cheese. Cook until cheese is melted, stirring slowly (about 2 minutes




Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta, and place into a well-greased oven safe dish.





Top with a layer of shredded cheddar and bake for 7 minutes or more at 375 degrees, until dish is heated through and cheese is golden brown.




After eating this pre-game favorite, last Sunday Drew Brees threw 31 for 35 and don't forget he threw more touchdown passes in one game than he threw incomplete passes (5 touchdowns, 4 incompletes). Doesn't your mind just race wondering what you can accomplish?


Have a beautiful weekend!



13 comments:

Plain Chicken said...

This looks fantastic! I can't wait to try it!!

The JR said...

I luv these kind of recipes!

Big Dude said...

kinda like a cross between Amaerican Goulash and mac & cheese cajun style. Like Steph, I can't wait to try it, but will have to finish off what I have in the fridge first.

David said...

Katherine, Great twist on good old Mac 'n Cheese! Immagination at work... An old standard with a nice bite! Thanks for the recipe and take care... Big Daddy Dave

gigi said...

Yum and very easy, thanks. Happy weekend Katherine!

Debbie said...

Another great recipe Katherine! I have to try this soon...looks like some great comfort food! Have a good weekend!

TinaRBK said...

Teenage kids can eat you out of house and home. Their stomachs are bottomless pits, so this recipe is a great way to fill them up and save some $$ in food.
Thanks for sharing this hearty dish!

Claudia said...

Oh this is inspired - just filled with flavor - much more so than the average mac n cheese. Would take the autumn chill out of our homes in MN!

Chris said...

That's my kind of carbo-loading! No wonder Brees loves it.

MaryBeth said...

Drool...All I can say Miss Katherine is YUMM-O!

Lea Ann said...

Good grief that looks good! I'll have to send the recipe to Tim Tebow. ;)

Julie said...

I'll bet I could throw a touchdown pass too if I had some of this! Well not really, but it sure would make me happy :)

teresa said...

mmm, i could dig right into this!