Spice Up Your Dinner with Irresistible Chili Mac and Cheese
Learn how to make delicious Chili Mac and Cheese. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
To create this heartwarming Chili Mac and Cheese, you’ll need a selection of simple, wholesome ingredients:
– 1 pound of ground beef (or turkey for a lighter version)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
– 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons of chili powder
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups of elbow macaroni
– 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup of milk
– Fresh parsley for garnish
These ingredients remind me of the bounty from Nonna Rosa’s garden—fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. Just as my mother taught me, the key is in the simplicity of good ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.
Instructions
Creating this dish is like painting a culinary masterpiece, each step building upon the last:
1. **Brown the Meat**: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
2. **Sauté Aromatics**: Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
3. **Simmer the Chili**: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. **Cook the Pasta**: Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. **Combine and Melt**: Reduce the heat to low. Stir the cooked macaroni into the chili mixture, then add the shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the dish is creamy.
6. **Garnish and Serve**: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this family favorite.
Find it online: https://sofiacooking.com/chili-mac-and-cheese/