Chili Mac and Cheese
Chili Mac and Cheese is a delicious and hearty dish that combines pasta, chili, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for chilly nights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni Cook according to package instructions.
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey Can be substituted with ground meat alternatives.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed For added fiber.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes Includes juices.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce For a rich flavor.
- 1 packet (1 oz) chili seasoning mix Adjust spice level to taste.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- to taste Salt and pepper To enhance flavor.
Cheese and Cooking Oil
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese For topping.
- to drizzle Olive oil For cooking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Cooking
- Add ground beef or turkey, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Once the meat is cooked, add kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and chili seasoning mix. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the chili mixture and gently stir until well combined.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and let it cook for an additional few minutes until the cheese melts.
- Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, serve hot.
Notes
This dish is filling, easy to make in one pot, customizable to add more vegetables, and perfect for families or meal prepping.