CHILI MACK AND CHEESE
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
28 oz crushed canned tomato
14 oz can red kidney beans, drained
2 1/2 cups beef broth (chicken broth works too)
8 oz elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Spices (Homemade Chili Powder):
1 tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder (adjust to taste)
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp cumin
1 1/2 tsp onion powder (or garlic powder)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the bell pepper and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef browns evenly.
Once the beef is browned, add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, broth, macaroni, and all the spices. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is cooked al dente and the mixture is saucy (but not overly liquid).
Turn off the heat but keep the pot on the stove. Stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover the pot, and let it sit for 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Garnish with cilantro, if desired, and serve immediately.
Servings: 4-6
Okay, so you've made this incredible Chili Mac & Cheese, right? But sometimes, you want to kick that flavor up a notch, or maybe you're wondering how to get that delicious, smoky 'wood fired' taste without a special seasoning packet. I totally get it! I’ve been experimenting with my chili mac recipe for ages, and I’ve found a few tricks to really make it sing, especially if you love a deeper, more complex flavor. First off, about that 'wood fired' vibe – you don't always need a fancy packet! If you want to add a smoky depth to your chili, a tiny pinch of smoked paprika (beyond just regular paprika) in your spice blend can work wonders. It’s a secret weapon for mimicking that slow-cooked, smoky flavor. Another great trick is to add a dash of liquid smoke to your ground beef while it browns – just a drop or two, seriously, a little goes a long way! Or, for a more natural route, try searing your beef in a cast-iron skillet to get a really good crust before adding it to the pot. That Maillard reaction adds incredible savory notes. Speaking of spices, while convenience packets are great in a pinch, I’ve found that mixing my own chili powder, like the one in this recipe, gives me so much more control. You can adjust the cayenne pepper for heat, bump up the cumin for earthy warmth, or add a bit more dried oregano for that classic chili aroma. It feels so much fresher, and you know exactly what’s going into your delicious homemade chili mac and cheese. Plus, you can customize it every time! Want it spicier? More cayenne. Want it milder for the kids? Reduce the heat. That's the beauty of doing it yourself! This dish is already a fantastic one-pot meal with its elbow macaroni, ground beef, and kidney beans simmering in that rich tomato sauce. But if you're looking to elevate it even further, consider a few toppings. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of plain Greek yogurt can add a lovely creamy tang. Freshly chopped green onions or extra fresh cilantro (which looks amazing as a garnish, just like in that photo!) brighten everything up. And don't forget the cheese – a sprinkle of extra melted shredded cheese right before serving is always a winner! For a different twist, you could even try swapping out the beef for ground turkey or a plant-based crumble. Or, for a truly hearty meal, serve it with some warm cornbread or a simple side salad. This recipe is so versatile and forgiving, it’s become one of my go-to comfort foods. It’s truly amazing how a handful of simple ingredients and a homemade spice blend can create such a satisfying dish that ticks all the boxes for flavor and ease!
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