Description
This hearty Chili Mac recipe combines flavorful ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich blend of spices in a comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. With savory tomato sauce, kidney beans, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the chili mac.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and intensify their aroma.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Mix in tomato paste thoroughly to deepen the sauce’s flavor and add richness.
- Add Tomatoes, Beans, Broth, and Pasta: Stir in diced tomatoes, drained kidney beans, beef broth, and uncooked elbow macaroni making sure everything is evenly combined.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, enhancing the dish with delightful cheesiness.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, flavorful chili mac meal.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to make a lighter or vegetarian version of this dish.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños while cooking.
- Drain excess fat after browning beef to reduce fat content.
- Use gluten-free pasta to adapt recipe for gluten intolerance.
