Description
Hearty chili mac brings comforting Tex-Mex flavors to your dinner table with bold spices and cheesy goodness. Rich beef and pasta combine in one skillet, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef (90-93% fat-free)
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 ½ tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) chili powder
- 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sugar
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) ground black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef stock
- 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can small diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can tomato sauce
- 8 ounces (227 grams) uncooked macaroni (roughly 2 cups)
- Shredded cheddar cheese for serving
- Sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Place a spacious pot over medium-high heat. Introduce ground beef and finely diced onions. Crumble the meat using a wooden spoon, ensuring even breakdown. Cook for 6-7 minutes until beef develops a rich brown color and onions turn translucent.
- Stream beef stock, diced tomatoes with their natural juices, and tomato sauce into the pot. Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients and initiate a gentle bubbling.
- Introduce uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the simmering mixture. Stir periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Allow the pasta to absorb flavors and become tender, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- Transfer the steaming chili mac into serving bowls. Generously crown each portion with shredded sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces or 113 grams) and a generous dollop of tangy sour cream (2 tablespoons or 30 milliliters) for a creamy finish.
Notes
- Leftovers transform into an even more flavorful feast as spices deepen overnight.
- Budget-friendly creation uses pantry staples without breaking the bank.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder for kid-friendly or spice-lover versions.
- Freezer-friendly meal perfect for advanced preparation and busy family dinners.
- One-pot magic eliminates extensive cleanup while delivering maximum comfort and taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg