Description
This hearty Chili Mac and Cheese combines the comforting creaminess of classic mac and cheese with the spicy, robust flavors of chili. Featuring ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses, this one-pot skillet meal is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Canned and Broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the beef mixture.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Mix in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños along with the other spices.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, adding a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free if needed.