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Chili Macaroni Recipe – Best Cheesy One-Pot Dinner in 30 Minutes

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This chili macaroni recipe is a cheesy, bold, and comforting one-pot dinner that combines the heartiness of chili with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked preferred)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon each)
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium, or a blend)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro or green onions (sliced), sour cream, sliced jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Dice onion, mince garlic, rinse and drain beans, shred cheese, and measure out all ingredients.
  2. Brown the ground beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Stir in diced onion and cook until beef is browned and onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Build the chili base: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat beef and onion with spices.
  4. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in broth, diced tomatoes with juices, beans, and uncooked macaroni. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is submerged.
  5. Simmer and cook pasta: Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover loosely and cook, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender and most liquid is absorbed (10-12 minutes). Add more broth if needed.
  6. Add the cheese: Lower heat and add shredded cheddar and cream cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth.
  7. Taste and adjust: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired.
  8. Serve and garnish: Serve hot, topped with green onions, cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips as desired.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground and vegetable broth. Use gluten-free pasta as needed. Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking. Adjust spice level to taste. Leftovers keep well and flavors deepen overnight. Add more broth or milk when reheating if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili macaroni, cheesy chili mac, one-pot dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, pasta, ground beef, easy dinner, family recipe

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/chili-macaroni-recipe-best-cheesy-one-pot-dinner-in-30-minutes/