35-Minute Chili Mac and Cheese – The Ultimate Comfort Food Fix
A hearty and cheesy one-pot meal combining chili and macaroni for a comforting weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until browned. Stir in garlic and tomato paste.
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Stir in macaroni and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Turn off the heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve in bowls, topped with extra cheese.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg