Chili Cheese Macaroni Dinner
Satisfy your cravings with this hearty and comforting Chili Cheese Macaroni Dinner, a one-pot wonder that combines the bold flavors of classic chili with the irresistible creaminess of cheesy macaroni. This quick and easy recipe features tender macaroni pasta simmered in a robust, spice-infused sauce made with ground beef, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and aromatic spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Crowned with melty cheddar cheese and optional fresh cilantro, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With just 45 minutes from start to finish and minimal cleanup, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 14.5 ounces Canned diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces Tomato sauce
- 15 ounces Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 cups Macaroni pasta
- 2 cups Water or chicken broth
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
In a large skillet or a pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the diced onion and garlic to the browned beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Add the macaroni pasta and water (or chicken broth) to the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the pasta is tender.
Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy your Chili Cheese Macaroni Dinner!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
718 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.4 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.0 g | 75% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 92 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 949 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 72.1 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.9 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.0 g | ||
| Protein | 36.1 g | 72% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 350 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 5.2 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 805 mg | 17% | |
*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.
