Description
Hearty Chili Mac delivers comfort in one skillet, blending spicy southwestern flavors with classic pasta goodness. Cheesy, meaty, and quick to prepare, this dish satisfies hungry diners with its bold, zesty profile and simple home-style charm you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquid and Pantry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Pasta:
- 2 cups (256 grams) elbow macaroni
Topping:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, creating a rich, caramelized base for the dish.
- Incorporate diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add macaroni and classic chili spices, including chili powder and cumin, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing pasta to cook and flavors to meld together.
- Once macaroni is tender and sauce has thickened, remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, generously sprinkled with sharp cheddar cheese that melts deliciously over the hot chili mac.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that keeps protein high and maintains hearty texture.
- Drain excess fat after browning meat to reduce overall calories and create a leaner dish.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for extra heat and complex flavor profile for spice lovers.
- Use whole wheat macaroni to boost nutritional value and increase fiber content without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg