Craving a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this classic Chili Mac recipe! This dish perfectly blends the comforting warmth of chili with the cheesy goodness of macaroni, creating a delicious and effortless weeknight dinner. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is perfect for you. Get ready to experience a taste of pure comfort food perfection!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Simmer the Chili
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or longer for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni
While the chili simmers, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain well.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Stir the cooked macaroni into the chili. Gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately. This chili mac is delicious on its own, but you can also top it with your favorite chili toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or green onions.
Tips for the Best Chili Mac:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of ground beef and ground chuck.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder chili, omit it altogether.
- Add some veggies: Include diced bell peppers or corn for added nutrients and flavor.
- Make it ahead: This chili mac tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili Mac: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or 1 (15 ounce) can of vegetarian chili.
- Turkey Chili Mac: Use ground turkey instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
- Spicy Chili Mac: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Fiber: 8-10g
This classic chili mac recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. The rich flavors and comforting texture will leave you wanting more! Enjoy this easy recipe and let us know how you liked it in the comments below. We always appreciate your feedback!