Dee's Chili Mac

Dive into comfort food heaven with Dee's Chili Mac, a hearty one-pot wonder that fuses the bold flavors of classic chili with the cozy appeal of cheesy macaroni. This easy recipe combines ground beef, kidney beans, and tender elbow pasta simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce spiced with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in just 45 minutes and delivers six generous servings of pure satisfaction. Topped with gooey melted cheddar and optional green onion for a pop of freshness, Dee's Chili Mac is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both filling and flavorful. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this simple chili mac recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp Chili powder
• 1 tbsp Ground cumin
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 15 oz Canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 2 cups Beef broth
• 2 cups Uncooked elbow macaroni
• 15 oz Canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.

Step 4

Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender.

Step 6

Stir in the kidney beans and allow the chili mac to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the beans are heated through.

Step 7

Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Gently stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2566.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3646.8

Total Fat 188.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 87.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.0g
Cholesterol 571.8mg	0%
Sodium 7239.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 301.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 48.8g	0%
Total Sugars 34.5g
Protein 200.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2131.8mg	0%
Iron 30.1mg	0%
Potassium 4983.4mg	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: 45.8%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 32.5%