Hearty Chili Mac

Dive into the ultimate comfort food with this Hearty Chili Mac recipe, a soul-warming fusion of bold chili flavors and creamy, cheesy pasta perfection. This one-pot wonder combines tender ground beef, savory spices like chili powder and cumin, and a medley of onion, bell pepper, and garlic, all simmered in a rich tomato-beef broth. Elbow macaroni absorbs the flavorful base, and the dish is finished with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying, gooey bite in every forkful. Ready in just 45 minutes, this versatile crowd-pleaser is perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a vibrant garnish that takes it over the top. This recipe is your go-to for deliciously simple comfort food that feeds a crowd with ease!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and ground beef, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper, allowing the spices to toast for about 30 seconds to bring out their flavor.

Step 4

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Stir in the dry elbow macaroni, ensuring it's fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot again and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender.

Step 7

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.

Step 8

Serve the Chili Mac hot, optionally garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2905.1 grams (2905.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3291

Total Fat 175.80g	225%
Saturated Fat 76.70g	384%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.40g
Cholesterol 502mg	167%
Sodium 7484mg	325%
Total Carbohydrate 262.80g	96%
Dietary Fiber 31.80g	114%
Total Sugars 52.20g
Protein 158.70g	317%

Vitamin D 28IU	141%
Calcium 1379mg	106%
Iron 22mg	124%
Potassium 3930mg	84%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.4%

Protein: 19.4%

Carbs: 32.2%