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Cozy Chili Mac

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A quick, easy, and hearty cheesy chili mac recipe that combines bold spices with creamy cheese for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
  • 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet. Add ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add diced onions to the browned meat and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle chili powder and cumin over the meat and onions, stirring well to coat, about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen flavorful bits. Bring to a gentle simmer, about 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in elbow macaroni, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender but not mushy.
  6. Lower heat and stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and silky, about 3 minutes. Fold in sour cream if using.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Notes

If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more broth or water. If too thin, remove the lid and cook a bit longer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with lentils or tofu and use vegetable broth. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and omit sour cream or substitute with coconut yogurt. Freeze before adding cheese and sour cream for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili mac, cheesy pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, hearty dinner, one-pot meal

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/cozy-chili-mac-recipe-easy-cheesy-hearty-dinner-idea/