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Chili Mac

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🍲 This One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese offers quick comfort food with rich, hearty flavors combining chili spices and creamy cheese.
⏲️ Perfect for busy days, it’s easy to prepare in one pot and serves up a filling meal for the whole family.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 2 garlic cloves, minced

– 1 onion, finely chopped

– 1 red capsicum or bell pepper, chopped

– 500 grams (1 lb) ground beef, lean

– 800 grams (28 oz) crushed canned tomatoes

– 420 grams (14 oz) canned red kidney beans, drained

– 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) beef broth (chicken broth can be used)

– 250 grams (8 oz) elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked

– 2 cups (200 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or tasty cheese)

– 1/4 cup coriander or cilantro, finely chopped for garnish

– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or pure chili powder (adjust spiciness to taste)

– 2 teaspoons paprika powder

– 2 teaspoons cumin powder

– 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder (or garlic powder as substitute)

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

Instructions

1-First, gather everything you need, like 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 500 grams lean ground beef, to make cooking smooth.

2-Heat the oil in a large pot over high heat and start by cooking the garlic and onion for about a minute. This sets the base for that rich flavor we all love in Chili Mac.

3-Next, add the chopped red capsicum and cook until the onion turns translucent, then mix in the ground beef and brown it while breaking it up.

4-Once that’s done, stir in 800 grams crushed canned tomatoes, 420 grams drained red kidney beans, 2 1/2 cups beef broth, and 250 grams uncooked elbow macaroni.

5-Don’t forget to add the homemade chili powder mix for that perfect kick.

6-Bring it all to a simmer and reduce the heat to medium, then cover and cook for 12 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

7-For a great tip, turn off the stove right then and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese to make it saucy.

8-Let it sit for 2 minutes so the cheese melts and the flavors blend.

9-Since this section is detailed, let’s break it down further. After the initial simmer, top with the remaining 1 cup shredded cheese and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped cilantro before serving. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out our refreshing blueberry lemonade recipe to pair with this meal for a fun twist. It’s a great way to balance the savory with something light and fruity.

10-The whole process takes just 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, totaling 25 minutes.

11-Aim for that saucy consistency by letting the pasta absorb the sauce during resting, and adjust spices like the 1/2 teaspoon cayenne to your taste.

12-For variations, try other meats like chicken or turkey as mentioned in the tips.

Last Step:

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Notes

πŸ§‚ Use the homemade chili powder for consistent and fresh flavor.
πŸ”₯ Turn off the stove as soon as the pasta is cooked; residual heat finishes cooking and melts cheese.
❄️ This dish freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: One Pot Cooking, Simmering
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Omnivore

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 768
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 1630 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 75 g
  • Fiber: 11 g
  • Protein: 44 g
  • Cholesterol: 103 mg