Chipotle Beef Noodles

Chipotle Beef Noodles

2 T. unsalted butter
1/4 C. all-purpose flour
2 C. homemade or canned low-sodium chicken broth
1 small canned chipotle chile en adobo, seeded and minced, plus 1 T. adobo sauce
1/2 tsp. chile powder
2/3 lb lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
10oz wide egg noodles
2 C. grated cheddar cheese
1 C. chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Melt 1 T. of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour using a wooden spoon. Let the paste cook, stirring constantly, until it is pale blond, about 2 minutes. Gradually stir a little of the chicken broth into the flour mixture. Keep adding the broth a little at a time until you have a smooth paste, then whisk in the remaining broth. Add the chipotle chile, the adobo sauce, and the chile powder; bring to a simmer and then reduce the heat to very low and keep warm until the meat mixture is ready. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the noodles. Melt the remaining butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, and some salt and pepper. Cook the meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until the meat is browned, 5-8 minutes. Pour off some of the fat in the skillet (place a too-small pot cover in the skillet and use it to hold the meat mixture), then add the sauce to the meat and stir together. When the water boils, add a large pinch of salt and the noodles. Cook according to package directions or until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and stir into the meat sauce. Serve in bowls, sprinkled with cheese and cilantro.

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