Description
Comforting chili mac blends hearty pasta with spicy ground beef for a quick weeknight dinner sensation. Cheesy, zesty flavors merge in one skillet, promising a satisfying meal that will keep you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sizzle ground beef in a spacious pot over medium heat until thoroughly browned, then eliminate excess grease.
- Incorporate finely chopped onion, vibrant bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, robust tomato sauce, savory beef broth, and aromatic spices like chili powder and cumin. Season with salt and pepper, then elevate heat to create a bubbling mixture.
- Gently introduce elbow macaroni into the simmering liquid, reducing temperature to low. Allow pasta to cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once macaroni reaches perfect tenderness, remove pot from heat and fold in sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted, creating a luxuriously creamy texture.
- Transfer the steaming chili mac to serving bowls, optionally adorning with additional cheese sprinkles or freshly chopped herbs for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños for extra spice kick.
- Choose lean ground beef or swap with ground turkey for a healthier protein option.
- Boost nutrition by mixing in additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach during sautéing stage.
- Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free macaroni and checking broth ingredients carefully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 463 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg