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Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe for a Quick Dinner Fix

Chili Mac and Cheese
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A quick and comforting one-pot Chili Mac and Cheese recipe combining bold chili flavors with creamy, cheesy pasta. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners and kid-friendly meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet or pot, cook ground beef with diced onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and uncooked macaroni. Pour in the broth, stir, and bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Cover and cook on low, stirring occasionally, for about 12–15 minutes or until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Stir in both cheeses until melted. Top with extra cheese and chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Swap in different beans or pasta shapes if desired.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.tastydelishrecipes.com/chili-mac-and-cheese-recipe-one-pot-dinner/