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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes evoke the warmth and nostalgia of home cooking quite like Hearty Beef Chili Mac. This delightful recipe embodies the essence of hearty meals, providing a satisfying blend of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits that make it a beloved choice for family gatherings, casual dinners, or cozy nights in. The combination of ground beef, macaroni, beans, and a medley of spices creates a symphony of taste that not only delights the palate but also delivers a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment associated with homemade meals.

Classic Beef Chili Mac

Indulge in the comforting warmth of Hearty Beef Chili Mac, a classic dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals. Combining ground beef, elbow macaroni, and flavorful spices, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Packed with nutrition, it's a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Discover how simple ingredients come together to create a heartwarming culinary experience that fosters connection and joy at the dinner table.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1 cup elbow macaroni

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup beef broth

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

      Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 6-8 minutes.

        Season It Up: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.

          Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix everything well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

            Combine Macaroni: Once the chili is simmering, stir in the cooked macaroni. Let it cook together for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.

              Cheesy Goodness: Remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the pot for a few minutes until the cheese melts.

                Serve: Spoon the chili mac into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy your hearty meal!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                    15 minutes | 30 minutes | 6 servings