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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and Filling: Combines protein, pasta, and spices in one dish.

  • Rich Flavor: Savory chili spices blended with cheesy goodness.

  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and one-pot preparation.

  • Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

  • Versatile: Customize with your favorite chili toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

  • 1 cup beef broth or water

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños

Directions

  1. Brown Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

  2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Add Tomatoes and Beans: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and beef broth.

  4. Simmer: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

  5. Cook Macaroni: Add uncooked macaroni to the pot, cover, and cook until pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  6. Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

  7. Serve: Top with sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian: Substitute meat with extra beans or lentils.

  • Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.

  • Different Cheeses: Use pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavors.

  • Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini.

  • Slow Cooker: Cook all ingredients except pasta in slow cooker; add pasta later.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

  • Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well for a leaner option.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

How do I prevent pasta from sticking?

Stir frequently and add enough liquid to cook pasta properly.

Can I use canned chili instead of making my own?

Yes, canned chili can be substituted for a shortcut.

Is this dish spicy?

Mild by default; adjust spices for heat preference.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, flavors improve when reheated.

Can I add toppings?

Yes, sour cream, avocado, or fresh herbs complement well.

How do I thicken the chili mac?

Simmer uncovered or add a cornstarch slurry.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, but add pasta near the end to avoid overcooking.

What sides go well with chili mac?

Serve with cornbread, salad, or steamed vegetables.

Conclusion

Chili Mac is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines the best of chili and pasta into one satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this versatile recipe can be customized to suit any taste or dietary preference.

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Chili Mac

Chili Mac

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  • Author: Alice
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Chili Mac is a hearty, one-pot comfort dish that blends savory chili flavors with tender macaroni pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for chilly evenings, offering a satisfying combination of protein, spices, and pasta that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

  • 1 cup beef broth or water

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños

Instructions

  • Brown Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

  • Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  • Add Tomatoes and Beans: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and beef broth.

  • Simmer: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

  • Cook Macaroni: Add uncooked macaroni to the pot, cover, and cook until pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  • Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

  • Serve: Top with sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños if desired.

Notes

Stir frequently to keep pasta from sticking.For thicker chili mac, simmer uncovered longer or add a cornstarch slurry.Substitute ground turkey for leaner meat.Slow cooker option: cook all except pasta, add pasta later to avoid overcooking.

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