Description
Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, delivering a creamy, cheesy delight with a spicy twist. This one-pot wonder brings together tender pasta, savory ground meat, and vibrant spices, all simmered in a rich sauce that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this dish is as satisfying as it is easy to make. Gather your family around the table for a meal that promises to warm hearts and fill bellies with goodness!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or beef
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients on your counter for an organized cooking process.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant (about 3 minutes).
- Add ground turkey or beef; cook until browned (5-7 minutes), breaking into smaller pieces.
- Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Lower heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente; stir occasionally.
- Remove from heat; stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. If desired, add sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes. - Customize this dish by swapping out the meat for beans or lentils for a vegetarian option. - Add diced jalapeños for an extra kick of spice.