Chili Mac with Quebec Pork

• 1 fondue Chic! à la bière (beer) by 1001 Fondues, 350 g (12 oz.), cut into strips
• A little vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 500 g (1 lb.) ground pork
• 5 mL (1 tsp.) chili powder
• 5 mL (1 tsp.) smoked paprika (pimenton)
• 5 mL (1 tsp.) ground cumin
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 796 mL (28 oz.) diced tomato
• 250 mL (1 cup) chili sauce
• 540 mL (14 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 400 g (13 oz.) macaroni
• Fresh cilantro

1. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
2. Add ground pork and spices and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces.
3. Add bell pepper, tomatoes, chili sauce and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook macaroni al dente in boiling salted water. Drain.
5. Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
6. Add beans and macaroni to sauce. Mix well and place in a gratin dish. Spread fondue over top.
7. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until internal temperature is at least 75 °C (167 °F). If necessary, finish browning under the broiler. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

*This recipe also works without meat. Just substitute it for tofu … it’ll give you all the protein you need! It should be noted that the entire Chic! Fondue range is made with lactose-free cheese.

When it comes to comfort food, this revisited chili mac — made with local cheese fondue — tops it off!