Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner with the most irresistible, mouth-watering Chili Mac Cheese that combines the hearty goodness of classic chili with the creamy comfort of cheesy macaroni. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a one-skillet wonder that will have your family begging for seconds and your dinner guests thinking you're a culinary genius. This isn't just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that promises to become your new go-to meal for satisfying hunger and delighting taste buds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can chili
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef if necessary. Season the meat with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Pour the canned chili into the skillet with the ground beef. Stir to combine and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and mix thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the chili and beef mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet, allowing the cheese to melt completely, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, optionally garnishing with additional cheese or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) to enhance the richness of the dish.
- Don't overcook the macaroni - aim for al dente to prevent mushy pasta. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid in the skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy, but leave a little for added flavor.
- Experiment with cheese varieties - try a blend of cheddar and pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- If you want to make this dish even more hearty, add a can of drained kidney beans or some diced bell peppers during the beef cooking stage.
- For a crispy top, transfer the skillet to the broiler for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to create a golden, bubbling surface.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 463kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
