Description
This Chili Mac and Cheese combines hearty elbow macaroni with a flavorful mix of ground beef, kidney beans, and a blend of chili spices, all topped with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Canned Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to be combined later.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes along with the rinsed kidney beans. Stir the mixture thoroughly and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors perfectly.
- Combine Macaroni and Meat Sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly so that the pasta is evenly coated with the chili meat mixture.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and cover the skillet. Allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a gooey and creamy topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a fresh herbal touch before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers and corn.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the dish.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated; just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep it creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
