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Amazing 1-Pot Chili Mac comfort dish

One-Pot Chili Mac

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Enjoy this warm and hearty One-Pot Chili Mac. It brings together the comforting flavors of classic chili and creamy macaroni for a simple, satisfying meal perfect for any chilly evening.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (10 ounce) can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef or turkey in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, Ro-Tel, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
  5. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper, if using. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Stir in the dry elbow macaroni and make sure it is mostly submerged.
  7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and creamy.
  9. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with an extra can of beans or plant-based crumbles.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to match your desired spice level. Hannah often adds a dash more cumin for depth.
  • If the chili mac seems too thick after cooking the pasta, add a splash more broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency before adding the cheese.

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