Description
Comforting Chili Mac is a one-pot meal that blends hearty chili with cheesy macaroni for a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to season the meat.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and kidney beans. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in uncooked macaroni. Cover and cook on low for 10–12 minutes, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute kidney beans with black or pinto beans for variation.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Mix in sour cream or cream cheese for a creamier texture.
- Use any pasta shape if elbow macaroni is unavailable.
- Top with more cheese or green onions for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
