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Cozy One-Pot Ground Beef Chili Mac

one-pot ground beef chili mac - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pot meal combining ground beef, elbow macaroni, and sharp cheddar cheese with a warm chili flavor, perfect for cozy dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200g)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned with no pink spots, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  5. Pour in beef broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring to a boil.
  6. Stir in elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cover with the lid slightly ajar. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente.
  7. Remove pot from heat and sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar over the chili mac. Stir gently until cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Add a splash of broth or milk if too thick.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Keep stirring during pasta cooking to avoid clumps. Add broth or water if chili mac thickens too much. Use freshly shredded cheddar for best melt and flavor. Browning beef thoroughly adds depth. Simmer pasta gently to prevent sticking. Add cheese off heat to avoid clumping.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, chili mac, ground beef, cheddar cheese, easy dinner, comfort food, quick meal

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/cozy-one-pot-ground-beef-chili-mac-recipe-easy-and-cheesy-dinner-idea/