Chili Mac Recipe
This easy and hearty Chili Mac Recipe combines spicy, flavorful chili with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a comforting one-pot meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners that everyone will enjoy. Packed with protein, pasta, and warming spices, this versatile dish can be customized for dietary preferences and served with a variety of garnishes and sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta and broth)
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef or turkey until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks for even texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat, stirring until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant to build the flavor base.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Pour in canned diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors thoroughly.
- Cook Macaroni: Pour in beef broth and add the elbow macaroni directly to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately mix in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, creating a comforting finish.
Notes
- Use fresh spices like freshly ground chili powder and cumin for more vibrant flavor.
- Cook macaroni al dente to avoid mushy texture during simmering.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth to lift flavorful browned bits.
- Add cheese off-heat to prevent it from becoming oily.
- Customize spice levels by starting mild and adding heat gradually.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Chili Mac, One-Pot Meal, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Quick Recipe, Hearty, Family-Friendly, Gluten-Free Option, Spicy, Cheesy
Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/chili-mac-recipe/