Prepare yourself for the ultimate comfort food with this Hearty Homemade Chili Mac! This satisfying one-pot meal combines the rich, savoury flavours of classic chilli with the cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese. It's a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or cosy gatherings. Additionally, the recipe is highly customizable, so you can add your favourite chilli toppings and spice it up to your liking.
Detailed Recipe
Ingredients:
The Base:
- 1 pound ground beef (or your preferred ground meat)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Chili Flavorings:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
The Liquids:
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
The Pasta:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (or your preferred short-cut pasta)
Cheesy Goodness:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Jalapeños
- Avocado
Instructions:
- Brown the Meat & Sauté Veggies: In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Spice it Up: Add the chilli powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables and cook for 1 minute more to toast the spices.
- Simmer the Chili: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Mac: Add the elbow macaroni to the simmering chilli mixture. Increase heat to medium and cook pasta according to package directions, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
- Make it Cheesy: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk until the cheese is melted and a creamy sauce forms.
- Serve with Toppings: Top with your favourite chilli toppings, such as sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, and avocado slices. Enjoy immediately!
Tips:
- Customization: Feel free to add other chilli ingredients like chopped celery, diced carrots, or a can of corn.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chilli powder to control the heat level of your chilli mac.
- Pasta Choice: You can use other short-cut pasta shapes like shells, penne, or rotini.
- Make it Ahead: Prepare the chilli base and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day in advance. When ready to eat, cook the pasta, combine it with the chilli, and add the cheese for a quick and easy meal.
