Chili Macaroni

Warm, hearty, and bursting with bold flavors, this Chili Macaroni recipe combines the comfort of classic macaroni with the robust, spicy notes of a savory beef chili. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot dish is ready in just 40 minutes and features ingredients like tender elbow macaroni, ground beef, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and a rich blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika. The recipe is simple to follow and flexible—top it with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh herbs for an extra layer of indulgence. With its satisfying balance of textures and flavors, Chili Macaroni is a family-friendly favorite that’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal preps.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, with juices
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion to the pot with the cooked ground beef. Sauté until the onion is softened, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the chili for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7

Stir in the drained kidney beans and cooked macaroni. Mix until everything is evenly coated and heated through, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If desired, garnish each serving with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley or cilantro.

Step 9

Serve hot and enjoy your Chili Macaroni!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2798.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3417.8

Total Fat 121.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 53.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 425.1mg	0%
Sodium 6017.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 392.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 49.4g	0%
Total Sugars 42.9g
Protein 191.4g	0%

Vitamin D 52.1IU	0%
Calcium 1124.2mg	0%
Iron 36.5mg	0%
Potassium 3867.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.9%

Protein: 22.3%

Carbs: 45.8%