Chili Mac
A hearty one-pot meal combining savory beef chili with tender macaroni, all smothered in melted cheddar cheese. This classic comfort food is a family favorite, ready in under 40 minutes and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown the beef and aromatics.
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is no longer pink.
- d.Carefully drain off any excess grease from the pot.
- e.Add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- f.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build the chili base.
- b.Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
- c.Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and undrained diced tomatoes. Add the rinsed kidney beans. Stir well to combine everything.
- d.Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the macaroni.
- b.Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni into the simmering chili. Ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- c.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked to al dente. The sauce will thicken as the pasta absorbs the liquid.
- d.Stir every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and serve.
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- c.Ladle the chili mac into bowls.
- d.Top each serving with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork or sausage.
- 2Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente as it will continue to soften in the hot chili after you turn off the heat.
- 3If the chili mac becomes too thick, stir in a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- 4Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- 5Let the finished dish rest for 5 minutes off the heat before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian Chili Mac
Substitute the ground beef with 1 pound of plant-based ground 'meat' or two cans of black beans (rinsed and drained). Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Spicy Chili MacSpicy Chili Mac
Add 1-2 chopped jalapeños along with the onion, and a 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the other spices for an extra kick.
Extra Veggie Chili MacExtra Veggie Chili Mac
Sauté 1 chopped bell pepper and 1 cup of corn kernels along with the onion to boost the vegetable content.
Creamy Chili MacCreamy Chili Mac
For an even richer and creamier texture, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or 4 ounces of cream cheese along with the cheddar cheese at the end.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
The combination of ground beef and kidney beans provides a substantial amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Good Source of Fiber
Kidney beans are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from the macaroni provide a steady release of energy, making this a satisfying and fueling meal.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Chili Mac (about 1.5 cups) contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the leanness of the beef and toppings used.