Chili Mac is a warm and comforting dish that combines spicy chili with soft macaroni pasta. It’s like the ultimate hug in a bowl!
With beans, ground meat, and cheese, this meal is a crowd-pleaser! I love making a big batch so I can enjoy it for lunch all week. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of your Chili Mac. I prefer lean ground beef to cut down on the grease. If you want a lighter option, consider ground turkey or chicken for a similar flavor with less fat.
Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for Chili Mac! If you’re looking for gluten-free options, quinoa or rice can work as substitutes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Onion and Garlic: These add a lot of flavor! If you’re not a fan of onion, you can skip it or use onion powder. Fresh garlic is great, but garlic powder in a pinch can also work.
Cheddar Cheese: A must for that gooey texture! For variability, try pepper jack for some spice, or mix in Monterey Jack for creaminess. Vegan cheese can be an option too!
What’s the Best Way to Make Sure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked in Your Chili Mac?
Getting the macaroni just right is essential. Here are my tips to ensure it turns out perfect:
- When you add the pasta, make sure you stir it well, so every piece gets covered in sauce.
- Keep an eye on the heat. A gentle simmer prevents the macaroni from sticking.
- Every few minutes, give it a stir to check if it’s cooked and not clumping together.
- When the pasta is tender, but there’s still a little liquid, it’s time to turn off the heat. The remaining liquid will help form a delicious sauce.
How to Make Chili Mac
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chili Mac takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes chopping and mixing ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything together. Perfect for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell the lovely garlic aroma.
2. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which will take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, just drain it off to keep your Chili Mac from being greasy.
3. Add Seasonings:
Next, stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to mix everything well so all the meat gets coated in the spices. This is where the magic happens!
4. Combine with Sauce and Broth:
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth (or water) and give it a good stir to combine. Let this mixture come to a gentle boil.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Stir well, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick together and absorbs all that yummy flavor.
6. Add Cheese and Garnish:
When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then cover for a few minutes to let the cheese melt beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor! Serve your hearty and cheesy Chili Mac warm and enjoy with family or friends. It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great, lean alternative to beef. Just keep in mind it might cook a little quicker, so watch it closely to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegeterian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, or simply use more beans like black beans or kidney beans for protein. Just ensure your broth is vegetable-based!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Chili Mac in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens up.
Can I Freeze Chili Mac?
Yes! Chili Mac freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
