Chili Mac and Cheese (Printable Version)
Comforting fusion of seasoned beef chili and creamy macaroni loaded with vegetables and melted cheddar cheese.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef
→ Pasta
02 - 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 medium bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
07 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
→ Dairy
08 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 1/2 cup milk
→ Pantry & Spices
11 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
12 - 2 tsp chili powder
13 - 1 tsp ground cumin
14 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
16 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
17 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, optional for heat
18 - 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
19 - 1 tbsp olive oil
# How to Make:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and lightly toasted.
04 - Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in the diced tomatoes and drained kidney beans until evenly combined.
05 - Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
06 - Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
07 - Remove from heat and stir in the butter and milk. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir vigorously until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
08 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with extra shredded cheese or chopped green onions if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It is the kind of dish that makes people go quiet at the table because they are too busy eating to talk.
- One pot means you get all the comfort without a mountain of dishes waiting for you afterward.
02 -
- Stir the pasta every few minutes while it cooks or you will find a burned layer at the bottom that no amount of cheese can fix.
- Adding cheese to a pot that is still on high heat can make it separate and turn oily, so pull it off the burner first.
03 -
- Toast the spices for the full minute before adding liquids because raw chili powder tastes flat and dusty compared to bloomed chili powder.
- Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack if you want an even creamier melt with a little more stretch.