Description
This hearty Chili Mac recipe combines ground beef, kidney beans, and elbow macaroni in a flavorful tomato and beef broth sauce seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and optional fresh herbs, it’s an easy, comforting one-pot meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Veggies
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Canned Goods and Liquids
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Others
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing their flavors.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Simmer with Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the chili mac. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier dish.
- For a lighter version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or use plant-based crumbles to make it vegetarian-friendly.
- This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner as it uses one pot, minimizing cleanup.
