Chili Mac

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our easy Chili Mac recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish combines pasta, cheese, and chili flavors in one pot.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 500

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 onion, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
to taste Salt and pepper
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth (optional)
2 cups dry elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp recommended)

Equipment

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Pot for cooking pasta
Measuring cups/spoons

Method

Brown ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.
Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper; toast spices for about 30 seconds.
Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and optional beef broth; bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain.
Combine cooked pasta with the chili mixture; stir well.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover the skillet; let it sit off the heat for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep; just add a little water when reheating to loosen up the sauce.