Description
Easy Chili Mac is a delicious one-pot meal that merges the comforting flavors of classic chili with creamy, cheesy macaroni. This hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, ready 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 (or Monterey Jack), divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft, then add garlic and bell pepper; cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, browning it while breaking it apart. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring to a boil before adding elbow macaroni. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Remove from heat and mix in half of the cheddar and three-fourths of the mozzarella until melted. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Top with remaining cheese, cover for 2 minutes until melted, then serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg