Description
A hearty, comforting one‑pot chili mac that blends savory ground beef, pasta, rich sauce and melty cheese—quick, filling and perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (4‑ounce) can diced green chilies (mild or hot)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15‑ounce) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk)
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium‑high. Add ground beef and chopped onion; cook for 7–10 minutes, breaking up the beef as it browns. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika and the diced green chilies.
- Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce and heavy cream. Increase heat until mixture just begins to boil, then add the elbow macaroni.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for about 13 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking. If liquid reduces too quickly before pasta is al dente, add an extra ½ cup broth and lower heat slightly.
- Remove the pot from heat, stir in the shredded cheese until fully melted and the mixture is creamy. Season with salt and pepper. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle more cheese on top, cover the pot and let the residual heat melt it.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey to lighten the dish.
- Add beans (such as kidney beans) for extra protein/texture; increase broth slightly to compensate.
- Use a different pasta shape if you don’t have elbow macaroni—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust spice level by using mild or hot green chilies and varying the amount of chili powder or smoked paprika.
- Leftover pasta absorbs more liquid in the fridge; add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
