Name: Beefy Chili Cheese Mac
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 2 tsp minced garlic; 1 small white onion, diced; 2 tbsp flour; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1 8 oz can tomato sauce; 2 cups beef broth; 2 cups uncooked elbow noodles; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar

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Beefy chili cheese mac is guaranteed to have everyone running to the table and begging for seconds? And of course it does since it features a combination of our favorite things: mac and cheese, chili, meat, and more cheese! Now that’s something to be excited for!

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I’ve also found it’s easiest to get my sons to share tidbits of their days if they’re around the dinner table and eating a favorite family meal.

Something about a big old helping of your favorite comfort food and everybody’s enjoying a case of the warm and fuzzies and is so much more likely to tell me what’s going on with them.

Beefy chili cheese mac is one of my favorite meals for just this reason.

It gets everybody excited for a family meal and it gets everyone talking- between big bites that is!

Pasta, beef, and cheese come together in one delightful comforting dish that is quick and easy to make and gets everyone gathered around the family table!

Ingredients

To make this you’ll need:

Olive oil– To cook the beef in
Ground beef– Go for a leaner package of ground beef so it doesn’t cook down too much or get too greasy
Aromatics– Minced garlic and diced white onion
Flour– To thicken it
Spices– Chili powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano
Beef broth– Don’t substitute with vegetable broth or chicken broth
Noodles– Elbow macaroni or small shells
Cheese– Shredded sharp cheddar

How to Make

This beefy chili cheese mac is so easy to make!

To do it, heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.

Brown the ground beef in the hot oil, breaking it up as it cooks.

Once the meat is completely browned, strain off any excess grease and then return the beef to the pot.

At this point, stir in the onions and garlic and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the onions are tender and becoming translucent.

Then stir in the flour, stirring constantly while it cooks and incorporates into the mixture.

Stir in the spices, sauce, and broth, working a sturdy spoon against the bottom of the pot to deglaze it.

Then stir in the pasta and put the lid on the pot, letting the mixture come to a simmer.

Once it comes to a simmer, turn the heat down to low and stir the pasta.

Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 15 minutes or until the noodles have absorbed the liquid.

Remove the dutch oven from heat and stir in the cheese.

Serve topped with extra shredded cheddar, if desired.

Enjoy!

Topping Ideas

Part of the fun of this beefy chili mac is topping it with your favorite chili toppings like:

a dollop of sour cream
guacamole
diced jalapenos
chopped red onions
cilantro

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips and Tricks

You could up the veggie factor by adding in a can of drained kidney or black beans and/or chopped bell peppers.
No one would argue if you added more than a cup of cheese!
Adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes.

Other Easy Pasta Recipes

Beefy chili cheese mac is a fantastic blend of chili, saucy pasta, and cheese.

Make it and get everyone running to the table!

Looking for other easy pasta recipes?

Try these:

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