King Ranch Casserole Macaroni and Cheese Mash-up

Y'all, King Ranch Casserole has been a long time favorite of mine. And macaroni and cheese is more than a just favorite, it's a staple. But what happens when you combine the two? You end up with one of the most amazing dishes ever.

Here's what you'll need:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (the boxes are usually 16 oz, so half a box)
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (aka Rotel)
• 1 - 8 oz pkg. pasteurized prepared cheese product, cubed (aka Velveeta)
• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook pasta according to the package directions. 

Meanwhile, melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and saute 5 minutes or until tender.

 Stir in your tomatoes and green chilies and Velveeta.

And cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts.

Now, stir in your chicken, the soup, sour cream, chili powder, and cumin.

Obviously, I need to keep stirring.

 

Then we'll add in our pasta and stir until blended.

This is smelling SOOOO yummy.

 

Spoon mixture into a lightly greased oblong baking dish or cast iron skillet and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly.

And serve.

There you have it, two favorites in one dish. I call that the ultimate comfort food. And we needed some comforting this week as we said goodbye to our beloved Golden Retriever, Dixie. 

I'll never forget the first time I saw her, just hours after she was born. One of thirteen puppies. Over the following weeks, we watched the puppies grow and saw their personalities emerge. Five weeks after she was born in our neighbor's closet, sweet Dixie came to live with us. 

She loved our family unconditionally and she's left a big hole in our hearts. Rest in peace, Dixie. Or better yet, tree those squirrels I know you're chasing in heaven. 

Three time Carol Award finalist Mindy Obenhaus lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, the youngest of her five children and two dogs. She passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she's not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Learn more a mindyobenhaus.com.