Description
This Chili Mac is a quick and easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. It features a hearty blend of ground beef, beans, vegetables, and macaroni, all simmered in a flavorful chili-infused sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Units
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- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can Tuttorosso Petite Diced Tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables and Brown Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, pinto beans, chicken broth, milk, and macaroni to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Cook and Melt Cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 12 minutes, or until macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Uncover and stir in 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover and turn off heat. Let stand for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier dish.
- Beans: You can substitute pinto beans with other beans, such as black beans or kidney beans.
- Pasta: Use any small pasta shape, such as elbow macaroni, ditalini, or small shells.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
