Description
This hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish combines the bold flavors of chili with creamy mac and cheese. Made in one pot for easy cleanup, it’s the perfect weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Chili:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- For the Macaroni & Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or more cheddar)
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra creaminess)
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Cook the Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and onion, cooking for 5-7 minutes until beef is browned.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Chili:
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Stir in uncooked macaroni. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Make it Cheesy:
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and milk.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with green onions, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips. Serve hot!
Notes
- Spice it up: Add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it meaty: Add crumbled bacon or swap beef for ground sausage.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Make-ahead: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g