Loaded Chili Mac and Cheese
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 297kcal
Mac and cheese is loaded up with beef chili for an easy dinner that combines two favorite comfort foods.
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces lean ground beef 90/10 fat ratio
- 10 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup canned white kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cheese I chose Cheddar jack
- Sour cream and green onions for garnish optional
Instructions
- Heat garlic, onion and ground beef in a large skillet. You don't need to add any oil, since the meat will have some natural fats of its own. Cook until the meat is browned, about 3-5 minutes, crumbling as you cook.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain the excess fat. Add beef mixture, chicken broth, tomatoes, beans, chili powder and brown sugar to a pot and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Bring to a simmer and stir in the macaroni. Return to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked through. It should take about 13-15 minutes for the pasta to fully cook.
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and stir until well combined. The cheese should melt into the mixture.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sour cream and green onion. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Becky's Tips
- Make sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef, so the dish isn't greasy.
- You can add as much chili powder as you like and can even add in extras such as cayenne pepper or paprika for a spicy kick.
- Grated sharp Cheddar cheese will give you the best flavor!
- Although I love elbow macaroni for classic mac and cheese, you can use any short pasta shape for this.
- Top with sour cream and green onions for a classic chili taste.
Nutrition
Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 714mg | Potassium: 534mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 353IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 159mg | Iron: 3mg