Description

Chili Mac combines classic chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni. It’s a one-pot meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 pound ground beef
1–2 tablespoons chili powder, to taste
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup beef broth
8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step: Warm the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the diced onion and cook until soft. Add the garlic and chopped pepper. Cook until fragrant.
Step: Add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Add the chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step: Turn the heat to medium-high. Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, and add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the pasta is al dente.
Step: When the sauce has thickened and the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Add 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 3/4 cup mozzarella. Add only a little at a time, stirring well between each addition until melted. Adjust seasonings, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover with a lid for 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Step: Season with salt and pepper, if needed and serve with desired toppings.

Notes

I sometimes add 1 tablespoon of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the pot for extra spice. You can substitute the ground beef for ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles. Feel free to use other types of beans, like black beans or pinto beans.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT28M
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 614 kcal
Sugar: 11 g
Sodium: 1183 mg
Fat: 29 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 54 g
Fiber: 9 g
Protein: 33 g
Cholesterol: 87 mg

Keywords: chili mac, one pot meal, pasta, comfort food, easy dinner