Description
This Chili Mac and Cheese recipe is a comforting, one-pot meal combining hearty chili flavors with creamy, cheesy pasta. Featuring ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, it’s a quick and satisfying dinner perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook the Ground Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook until browned throughout, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Add Tomato Paste and Chili Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, drained beans, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and salt. Mix everything together well to combine the flavors.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni and the beef or chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly in the pot.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until they melt completely, creating a creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chili mac and cheese sit, covered, for 5 minutes to thicken and develop flavors. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can customize the heat by using your favorite chili seasoning blend or adding hot sauce for extra spice.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated—simply add a splash of broth or milk while warming to loosen the sauce if it becomes thick.
- Chili Mac and Cheese freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
