Easy Chili Mac (One-Pot Recipe)

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If you’re into one-pot meals and comfort food, this Easy Chili Mac is perfect for you.

Imagine macaroni with a rich, chili-spiced tomato sauce.

It’s topped with melted cheddar like a fancy version of Hamburger Helper.

The recipe is simple.

First, you sauté onions and garlic.

Then, you add lean ground beef and flour for thickness.

Everything simmers in a tomato sauce and beef broth.

This creates a tasty meal that’s also easy to clean up.

It’s a cheap and comforting dish perfect for quick dinners.

It’s not just tasty, it also makes cooking easy. Treat yourself to the great taste of Easy Chili Mac!

Exact Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this yummy Easy Chili Mac, get some Easy Chili Mac ingredients. First, use diced yellow onion and minced garlic for a good smell. Also, use lean ground beef for a tasty base. Add chili powder, smoked paprika, and more for great taste. Mix with flour, tomato sauce, and beef broth for a zesty chili gravy.

The dish gets tied together with macaroni noodles and lots of cheddar cheese. You can also add beans, frozen corn, and more for extra yum. With this list, your Easy Chili Mac will be a big hit, full of flavor.

For your homemade Easy Chili Mac, gather all listed ingredients. This will make cooking easy. Use any extra items you like to fit your taste. Making this classic dish will bring comfort, knowing you have all you need.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until they are soft. This smells wonderful and makes a tasty start for the dish.

Then, put the lean ground beef in the skillet. Cook it well, making sure to break it apart. This helps it brown evenly. When it’s done, remove extra fat to keep the dish tasty and light.

Now, add all-purpose flour and the spices you like. This includes chili powder and smoked paprika. Mixing in these spices gives the meat and onions a rich taste. It’s the first step for your chili mac recipe.

“Infusing the spices at this stage allows them to bloom and intensify, which is essential for a rich and flavorful sauce.”

After that, pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir to get all the tasty bits from the skillet’s bottom mixed in. This soup part is the yummy base for your Easy Chili Mac.

Now, add the macaroni and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer. Stir every now and then. Keep cooking until the macaroni is soft and filled with tasty broth. This cooking way makes a great one-pot meal.

For the last step, add the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until melted. This makes your chili mac creamy and delicious. Turn off the heat. Your homemade chili mac is ready. Serve it up and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Make the most of your Easy Chili Mac with some cooking hacks and chili macaroni best practices. Use 85% to 90% lean ground beef to keep the flavors rich. This way, you won’t have to drain the fat.

Let the macaroni simmer just right so it cooks evenly and soaks up the sauce well.

Want more heat? Add hot sauce or chipotle chili powder. They will make your dish spicier. Topping it with cilantro or green onions adds color and freshness.

When saving leftovers, store them well to keep the flavor and texture. This makes it a great option for meal prepping.

As the macaroni sits, it gets softer from the sauce. Keep this in mind when reheating to keep the right texture. These tips will help you make a delicious Easy Chili Mac. Soon, it might be your go-to recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Thinking about what to serve with chili mac makes your meal better. Complementary side dishes can turn dinner into a feast.

• Cowboy Caviar: This fresh and colorful side dish made with black beans, corn, and bell peppers adds a refreshing contrast.
• Sweet Corn Salsa: The tanginess from lime and sweetness from corn perfectly balance the rich flavors of your Easy Chili Mac.
• Cumin Lime Coleslaw: Crisp and zesty, this coleslaw introduces an invigorating brightness to your meal.

For more greens, try a salad or steamed veggies with your chili mac. Toppings like diced tomatoes or sour cream add flavor and color. They make your dish even better.

Adding thoughtful sides and garnishes changes your Easy Chili Mac. It becomes a rounded dinner that makes you happy.

When you consider what to serve with chili mac, think of great side dishes. They not only taste good but also make you feel good. They offer joy at every meal.

How to Store

Keep your tasty Easy Chili Mac fresh for more meals with the right storage. For soon-to-eat leftovers, put the chili mac into single servings. Store these in airtight containers. You can keep them in the fridge for up to five days.

If you want to save your chili mac for longer, freezing is a good idea. This keeps it good for three months. Make sure to use airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It stops freezer burn and helps keep the taste right.

Ready to eat your stored chili mac, even if it was in the freezer? Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it in the microwave. The macaroni might get a bit softer, but it’s still tasty and great for planning meals or a quick dinner.