Name: Chili Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 red capsicum/bell pepper, chopped; 500g / 1 lb ground beef (lean); 800g / 28 oz crushed canned tomatoes; 420g / 14 oz red kidney beans, drained; 2 ½ cups (625 ml) beef broth (or chicken broth); 250g / 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked; 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix); ¼ cup coriander/cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish); ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 2 tsp paprika; 2 tsp cumin powder; 1 ½ tsp onion powder (or garlic powder); 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 ¼ tsp salt

Description

A hearty, one-pot Chili Mac and Cheese made with ground beef, tender pasta, bold spices, and melted cheese. Easy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
1 red capsicum/bell pepper, chopped
500g / 1 lb ground beef (lean)
800g / 28 oz crushed canned tomatoes
420g / 14 oz red kidney beans, drained
2 ½ cups (625 ml) beef broth (or chicken broth)
250g / 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta, uncooked
2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
¼ cup coriander/cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)

Homemade Chili Powder Mix

½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp cumin powder
1 ½ tsp onion powder (or garlic powder)
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp black pepper
1 ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the homemade chili spice mix and cook 1 minute to bring out the flavors.
Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and broth. Stir well.
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When the pasta is tender, stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until melted.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne.
Use another protein like turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add veggies like zucchini, corn, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Prevent sticking: Stir every few minutes as the pasta cooks.
Too thick? Add a splash of broth.
Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes