Get ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food mashup that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds! 🧀🌶️ Chili Mac n Cheese is not just a recipe - it's a culinary adventure that combines the hearty, spicy goodness of chili with the creamy, cheesy comfort of mac and cheese. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a one-pot wonder that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will become an instant family favorite. Prepare to revolutionize your dinner routine with this mouthwatering, soul-warming dish that proves sometimes the best meals are the ones that break all the traditional recipe rules!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Pour the elbow macaroni into the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the ground beef. Stir to distribute the spices evenly.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and chili beans, including the liquid from the can. Stir to combine with the beef.
- Add 2 cups of water to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the beef and bean mixture, stirring gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to low and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional cheese or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- 🥄 Pro Cooking Tips for Perfect Chili Mac n Cheese:
- For extra flavor, consider using ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) to enhance the richness of the dish.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to prevent mushy texture. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid while simmering with the chili.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melting and more authentic flavor.
- If you like extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or use spicy chili beans for a kick.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile - feel free to add diced onions, bell peppers, or swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
