Chili Mac and Cheese: Leo’s Speedy, Cheesy Dream
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
A hearty and cheesy pasta dish loaded with flavorful chili. It’s a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.
- Author: Leo Baker
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add the chili beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce to the skillet.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir to combine with the chili cheese sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, stir in the milk, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- You can substitute kidney beans or black beans for the chili beans if preferred.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg