Description
Silly Chili Macaroni is a hearty, cheesy one-pot meal that perfectly combines tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese. This comforting and flavorful dish is ideal for an easy family dinner and delivers a satisfying blend of spicy and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
Liquids and Pasta
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Seasonings and Cheese
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the beef and onions: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions have softened. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Combine beans, tomatoes, and seasonings: Add the drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Add uncooked macaroni: Pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir it evenly through the chili mixture, ensuring the pasta is submerged.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the pasta cooks evenly until tender.
- Incorporate cheese: Once the pasta is cooked through, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts fully, creating a creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh burst of flavor and serve the chili macaroni warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when adding the chili powder and spices.
- Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
