Easy Chili Mac Dinner (Print)

Hearty ground beef, beans, and macaroni blend with melty cheese for a quick, crowd-pleasing skillet supper.

# Ingredients:

→ Chili Base

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 bell pepper, diced
05 - 450 grams ground beef
06 - 1 to 2 tablespoons chili powder, to taste
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
10 - 225 grams canned tomato sauce
11 - 400 grams canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Pasta and Cheese

12 - 240 millilitres beef broth
13 - 225 grams uncooked elbow macaroni
14 - 120 grams shredded cheddar cheese, divided
15 - 120 grams shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
16 - Salt, to taste
17 - Ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
02 - Add ground beef to the pot. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until fully browned and cooked through.
03 - Mix in chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
04 - Increase heat to medium-high. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine, then add uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened.
05 - Remove pot from heat. Gradually add 60 grams cheddar cheese and 90 grams mozzarella, stirring well after each addition until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
06 - Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella. Cover with a lid for 2 minutes to allow cheese to melt. Serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For extra heat, add 1 tablespoon hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes when simmering.
02 - Ground turkey or vegetarian meat crumbles can be used in place of beef.
03 - Black beans or pinto beans may be substituted for kidney beans.

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