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Creamy chili mac dish served in a bowl, ideal for an easy dinner recipe.

Creamy Chili Mac

Warm, creamy, and full of flavor, this Chili Mac is a perfect dish for any night of the week. It’s easy to prepare and packs a punch of deliciousness that everyone will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for lower fat.
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed Can substitute with black beans or pinto beans.
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder Add more for a spicier flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni Can use shells or penne as alternatives.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Use plant-based cheese for a vegan option.
  • 1 cup milk Add a splash when reheating to keep creamy.
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  3. In a separate pot, cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
  4. Add cooked macaroni to the chili mixture.
Making the Cheese Sauce
  1. In another saucepan, melt butter, then add milk and shredded cheese, stirring until cheese is melted and creamy.
  2. Combine the cheese sauce with the chili mac mixture, stirring until well blended.
  3. Serve hot.

Notes

This dish can be served on its own or with a side salad. For extra flavor, top with fresh cilantro or jalapeños. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.