Description
Easy Chili Mac is the perfect blend of comfort food that combines the hearty flavors of chili with creamy macaroni. This one-pot meal is designed for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or game-day parties, and it can be ready in just 30 minutes. With a delightful mix of spices, cheeses, and customizable ingredients, this dish appeals to everyone—even picky eaters! Enjoy a satisfying bowl topped with your favorite garnishes for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1–2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 14-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and bell pepper until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Mix in chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for an additional minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring to a boil before adding elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Remove from heat; gradually stir in half of the cheddar cheese and three-fourths of the mozzarella cheese until melted. Season as needed.
- Top with remaining cheese, cover for two minutes until melted completely. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream or green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg