Description
Hearty chili mac delivers a comforting blend of spicy chili and creamy mac and cheese. Midwest home cooks will appreciate this one-pot wonder that satisfies with robust flavors and easy preparation. You can enjoy this classic dish in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
Seasonings and Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, sautéing diced onions until translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic and chopped green bell peppers, cooking until aromatic and slightly softened, around 2 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbly pieces while browning thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the meat mixture, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, beef broth, kidney beans, and black beans, mixing ingredients completely.
- Elevate heat to generate a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Introduce elbow macaroni directly into the simmering liquid, cooking uncovered until pasta reaches al dente consistency, approximately 10-14 minutes.
- Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts smoothly and creates a creamy texture.
- Transfer to serving dishes immediately, optionally garnishing with extra cheese, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions for enhanced presentation.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and selecting mild or spicy green chilies for personalized flavor intensity.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for leaner or vegetarian alternatives that maintain robust taste.
- Control sodium content by using low-sodium broth and checking canned bean salt levels to create a heart-healthy version.
- Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing this one-pot dish in advance and storing in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to develop more deeply.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg