Description
Hearty chili mac delivers comfort food magic from American kitchens. Spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and pasta combine in one satisfying skillet meal that promises delicious warmth when you hunger for something classic and filling.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup kidney beans
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Tomato Base:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, incorporating diced onions and minced garlic until meat is thoroughly cooked and vegetables are translucent.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans, then season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 10 minutes, developing rich, complex flavors.
- Meanwhile, prepare macaroni in a separate pot according to package directions, ensuring pasta reaches an al dente texture. Drain thoroughly.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the simmered chili mixture, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the pasta.
- Reduce heat to low and fold in shredded cheese, continuously stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy, cohesive sauce coating the chili mac.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken before serving hot.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
- Experiment with different bean varieties like kidney, black, or pinto beans for unique flavor profiles.
- Rinse canned beans before adding to reduce sodium content and improve overall digestibility.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans to maintain protein content.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg