Description
Indulge in the creamy, spicy goodness of Summer Chili Mac and Cheese. This dish combines tender elbow macaroni with zesty chili, topped with melted cheddar for an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfect for potlucks or cozy nights in, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to your taste. Enjoy a bowl of this delicious comfort food while soaking up the summer sun!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey, lean
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned (5-7 minutes), breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in the diced bell peppers, chili beans, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and combine it with the chili mixture. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve hot with extra cheese or chopped green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg