Description
Chili Mac is a hearty and flavorful one-pot pasta dish combining seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and elbow macaroni, all simmered together and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This American classic offers a comforting, cheesy chili experience perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent, enhancing the base flavors of the dish.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Next, stir in the kidney beans and uncooked elbow macaroni, combining all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the Chili Mac: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy, rich sauce that binds the chili mac together.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting chili mac.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add a diced bell pepper along with the onions for added vegetables and sweetness.
- Use whole wheat elbow macaroni for additional fiber and a healthier alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
