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Yields:
8 serving(s)
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
If there's one recipe that I know will always be a hit, it's chili mac and cheese. Now, this isn't a dish you're going to want to serve to dignitaries or anyone you're trying to truly impress. This is comfort food and let me tell you, comfort food isn't supposed to be glamorous! Chili mac and cheese is, however, a meal your family will ask for once a week. It's a beautiful marriage of hearty beef chili and gooey mac and cheese, and really, what could be better?
This family meal is full of meaty, cheesy, saucy goodness and it's so, so amazing. It may remind you a little bit of the Hamburger Helper you grew up eating as a kid, and it's practically just as easy. Everything is cooked right in the same pot—even the pasta—which means it can be on the table in about 30 minutes! Cook this ground beef recipe for dinner tonight or make a big pot next time you're having folks over to watch a football game. I love it with a dash of hot sauce and sprinkle of cheese and cilantro on top. So dadgum good!
Can you leave out the beans?
Sure. If you're family isn't a bean-in-chili kind of family, just leave them out! This dish will still turn out hearty and delicious.
How long does chili mac and cheese last in the fridge?
This recipe makes great leftovers. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days stored in an airtight container. Warm it up in the microwave and it's ready to enjoy again!
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Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce
- 12 oz. large elbow macaroni
- 1 (15-oz.) can pinto beans, drained
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar, plus more for serving (about 6 oz.)
- 1 cup grated pepper jack cheese (about 4 oz.)
- Cilantro, for serving
- Hot sauce, to taste
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Directions
- Step 1Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the ground beef, garlic, and onion. Season with the chili powder, cumin, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is cooked through and browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, macaroni, and beans. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and the macaroni is al dente, 12 to 14 minutes.
- Step 2Remove the pan from the heat. Add the cheddar and pepper jack, and fold until the cheese is completely melted. Serve in bowls with cilantro, more cheddar, some hot sauce, and sour cream.
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