Description
Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food that combines zesty chili and creamy macaroni and cheese into a hearty, one-pot meal. This dish features tender elbow macaroni mingling with rich ground beef, aromatic spices, and gooey melted cheddar, creating a warm embrace on chilly evenings. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, Chili Mac is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Serve it hot and watch everyone gather around the table for seconds of this deliciously satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until onions are translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Mix in cooked macaroni and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese until creamy.
- Serve: Transfer to bowls or plates and garnish with extra cheese or herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg