Description
This chili mac is the ultimate comfort food, a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for gathering with loved ones. Imagine tender pasta enveloped in a rich, savory chili, all baked together until bubbling and golden. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, making every bite feel like a hug. This dish is a warm hug in a bowl, piled high with your favorite savory toppings.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
2 cups beef broth
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, and cumin. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
3. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
4. Lower the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir now and then until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened and absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Take the pot off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until its all melted and wonderfully gooey.
6. Serve immediately while it’s hot.
Notes
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your macaroni noodles only until they are tender, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Mushy pasta is nobody’s friend!
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before you add the pasta, give your chili a taste. Does it need more salt? A touch more pepper? This is your chance to make it perfect for you.
Even Cheese Distribution: For the most appealing melted cheese topping, try to sprinkle it as evenly as possible over the entire surface of the chili mac.
Baking Dish Choice: While a 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for even baking, you can also use two smaller oven-safe dishes if needed.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Not specified
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: Not specified
- Fat: Not specified
- Carbohydrates: Not specified
- Protein: Not specified