BACON MAC-N-CHEESE FILLED MEAT BOWLS

           

            Before I get started, I want to clarify that the title is not a type; It is not ‘Meatballs’, it is ‘Meat Bowls’. When I was sharing this idea with a friend of mine, he replied, “Does it come with free doctors’ visits?” I replied, “No, but if you have to go to the ER, I will give you a free dessert next time you come in.”

            The idea of fun food has become a huge fad in this industry as it should. Chefs going bigger to the level of obscene has become the norm. I wanted to do something that you could serve during a sporting event, a tailgate, or even at home that would make people wonder how you did it.

            I want to dedicate this recipe and post to a man who placed a lot of light and joy in our lives who was taken from us to soon, Chef Carl Ruiz. If ever I have created anything that would possibly be considered ‘Ruizing’, this is my best effort (other then frying a hot dog).

            And now I offer you, BACON MAC-N-CHEESE MEAT BOWLS…

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs. Ground Chuck (80/20 meat works best because you need the fat content to keep the bowl from drying out)

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Pepper

2 Tbl. Water

1 lb. Regular Sliced Bacon (I recommend Maple Flavored, TRUST ME ON THIS!)

1 box Velveeta Shells Mac-n-Cheese OR 1 recipe of Homemade Mac-n-Cheese (see: https://cheftufaroanonymous.blogspot.com/2019/07/mac-and-cheese-social-media-style.html)

2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

1.      In a large mixing bowl, combine Ground Chuck, Salt, Pepper, and Water till well blended. This is best done by hand and will allow the mix to remain stiff for forming the bowls.

2.      Divide mix into 6 meat portions and form into balls.

3.      Using a small drinking glass, press the bottom of glass into the center of the meat ball to form the bottom of the bowl. Then, using your hands, form the outside of the bowl by working the meat up the sides of the glass. You do not want them to thin.

4.      Remove glass to form a bowl shape. Repeat to each ball.

5.      Using bacon, wrap the outside of each bowl with 1-2 pieces of bacon (depending on length of bacon slices), and one piece on the inside of the bowl. This will create a form to support the meat during cooking and add flavor to the bowl.

6.      Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

7.      Place meat bowls on baking sheet and place in oven. Cook for 30-40 minutes then remove.

8.      While bowls are cooking, prepare the mac-n-cheese according to directions depending on your choice of source.

9.      Once bowls are finished, remove bacon from bowls to leave formed, finished meat bowls.

10.  Chop bacon into small pieces and add to finished mac-n-cheese. Mix till well combined.

11.  Portion the mac-n-cheese into the meat bowls.

12.  Top finished bowl with cheddar cheese and place back in oven till cheese is melted.

13.  Remove from oven and ENJOY!!

This recipe is very simple and interesting to those who first see them. This ‘Stuffed Hamburger’ but in bowl form with the side already in it.

I ask of you to make sure you let those you love know it. You truly never know when this ride will end. I am grateful for all of you who follow my journey. Have fun and enjoy the ride.

#ForeverRuizing

Chef Tufaro