Chili Mac and Cheese
A comforting one-pot Chili Mac and Cheese featuring ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, chili beans, and cheddar. Hearty, cheesy, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium sweet onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups pasta sauce such as Ragu® Old World Style® Traditional
- 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
- 1 can 16 oz mild chili beans, undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- ¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley optional garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Base:
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté briefly until aromatic, approximately 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat carefully.
Incorporate the Sauce and Seasonings:
- Add the chicken broth, pasta sauce, diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili beans (including liquid), chili powder, and cumin. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring the pasta is evenly distributed. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for approximately 14 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish with Cheese:
- Once the pasta is fully cooked, remove the pot from heat. Immediately stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese and chopped parsley until melted and well incorporated.
Serve:
- Ladle the Chili Mac and Cheese into serving bowls. If desired, garnish each portion with additional cheese and parsley before serving warm.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the regular elbow macaroni with a gluten-free variety. Ensure the pasta sauce and chili beans used are certified gluten-free as well, as some brands may contain additives with gluten. Adjust cooking time as gluten-free pasta can cook more quickly.