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Chili Mac

Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Elbows

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A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining chili and macaroni.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the uncooked macaroni.
  6. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
  8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

Notes

  • For a spicier chili mac, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • You can substitute other types of beans, such as black beans, for kidney or pinto beans.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg