If you’re seeking comfort in a bowl, look no further than this Super Easy Chili Mac recipe. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia with each hearty spoonful. Imagine the bold flavors of chili combined with the comforting creaminess of macaroni and cheese, all in one satisfying dish. What makes it even more enticing? It’s a breeze to prepare, perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a testament to the joy of simple, no-fuss cooking, and it’s bound to become a family favorite in no time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 serving 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup red pepper, diced
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat.
- Add the finely chopped onion, red pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté them together until the onion is translucent, typically about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika. These spices will infuse the beef mixture with that classic chili flavor.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and drained kidney beans to the skillet. Mix everything together and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- While the chili mixture simmers, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the cooked macaroni.
- Combine the cooked macaroni and the chili mixture in a large pot or the skillet if it’s big enough. Stir everything together, allowing the macaroni to soak up those delicious chili flavors.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chili mac. Cover the pot or skillet and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gloriously gooey.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to add some extra zing, consider topping your chili mac with chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili powder and paprika to suit your taste. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. This dish reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or leftovers. Serve your chili mac with a simple green salad or some warm, buttered cornbread and enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
