3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving
Special Equipment
18 bamboo skewers, thick
Nutrition Info
Calories 437
Fat 19g
Carbs 45g
Fiber 4g
Sugar 6g
Protein 21g
How to Make It
1. Step
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, until shimmering. Add the onion and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
2. Step
Add the green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Step
Add the ground beef, break apart, and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
4. Step
Add the tomato, kidney beans, green chiles, tomato paste, cumin, pepper, salt, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside until ready to use.
5. Step
In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the milk and macaroni. Stir continuously until the milk reaches a simmer and the pasta is cooked.
6. Step
Turn off the heat, and stir in the butter, salt, pepper, Monterey Jack, and cheddar cheeses. Mix until all of the ingredients are incorporated.
7. Step
Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) casserole dish with parchment paper so the paper is hanging over the sides of the dish.
8. Step
Spread a third of the macaroni evenly on to the bottom of the dish and sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the top. Spread half of the chili over the cheese. Spread another third of macaroni over the chili, and sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese on top. Spread the rest of the chili over the cheese. Spread the rest of the macaroni over the chili.
9. Step
Cover the casserole dish with a piece of parchment paper. Freeze for at least 6 hours, up to 12 hours.
10. Step
Remove the casserole from the dish using the parchment paper to help you pull it out. Place on a work surface.
11. Step
Insert 9 skewers into one long side of the casserole 4 inches (10 cm) deep, spacing about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Repeat on the other long side of the casserole. Cut the casserole in half vertically, then make 8 horizontal cuts in between the skewers.
12. Step
Crush the corn chips until they are a coarse sand-like texture, then pour onto a large plate. Put the flour and eggs in separate medium dishes.
13. Step
Place one of the pops in the flour, turning to coat on all sides, and tap off the excess flour. Place the pop in the egg and coat until there is no exposed flour. Place the pop in the crushed corn chips and coat. Repeat with the remaining pops.
14. Step
Heat the oil in a large pot until the temperature reaches 325˚F (165˚C).
15. Step
Fry the skewers 2 at a time for 8 minutes, until browned and crisp.
