Craving a dish that combines the best of both worlds—spicy chili and comforting macaroni? Look no further than this delectable Chili Mac recipe. It’s the perfect fusion of hearty ground beef chili and tender macaroni, creating a satisfying and family-friendly meal. Packed with flavors, textures, and a touch of warmth, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite. Get ready to indulge in a bowlful of pure comfort.
Ingredients:
To make this mouthwatering Chili Mac, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon or spatula. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper (if using) to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and then add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir to submerge the macaroni in the liquid.
- Cover the skillet or pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender, about 10-12 minutes. If needed, add more broth or water to prevent the mixture from drying out.
- Once the macaroni is cooked to your desired texture, season the chili mac with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Remove the skillet or pot from the heat. Let the chili mac sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Chili Mac hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.
Engaging Tip:
For a fun twist, serve the Chili Mac in individual bowls and set up a toppings bar with options like sour cream, diced avocado, sliced jalapenos, or chopped green onions. This allows everyone to customize their bowl according to their preferences.
Pro Tip:
Make a double batch of Chili Mac and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals on busy days. Simply thaw and reheat when you need a satisfying and flavorful meal in a flash.