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
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1 pound ground beef or turkey
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
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1 cup beef broth or water
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2 teaspoons chili powder
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños
Instructions
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Brown Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add Tomatoes and Beans: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and beef broth.
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Simmer: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Cook Macaroni: Add uncooked macaroni to the pot, cover, and cook until pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
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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.
