There’s something about comfort food that wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Enter the Easy One Pot Chili Mac—a symphony of flavors in a single pot, where every bite is a delightful dance of cheese, pasta, and chili goodness. Remember that time when your favorite team won the championship, and you celebrated with a feast? This is that celebration in a meal.
Steps
- Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Add them to a large deep skillet or Dutch oven with olive oil and sauté over medium heat until the onions become soft and translucent, about five minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, stirring and cooking until it is thoroughly browned. If using beef with higher fat content, drain any excess fat. Then, incorporate the flour, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- Cook the mixture for about two minutes, allowing the flour and spices to coat the skillet’s bottom without burning. Add the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring well to combine and dissolve any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom.
- Stir in the uncooked macaroni, cover the skillet, and increase the heat to medium-high. Once the broth reaches a boil, stir to loosen any stuck pasta, lower the heat to medium-low, and replace the lid.
- Let the macaroni simmer, stirring every few minutes and always replacing the lid, until it is tender and the broth has reduced to a rich red gravy, about ten minutes.
- Mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the pot, turn off the heat, and let the residual warmth melt the cheese before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1/2 pound uncooked macaroni (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 1884kcal | Total Carbohydrates: 144g | Total Protein: 100g | Total Fat: 100g | Total Sodium: 3300mg | Total Fiber: 12g
FAQ
- What makes this Chili Mac different from traditional American Goulash?
- While both dishes feature macaroni noodles and a tomato-based meat sauce, the Chili Mac stands out with its bold, smoky seasonings that provide a distinct chili-inspired flavor.
- Can I substitute cornstarch for flour in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use cornstarch instead of flour to achieve a silkier gravy texture in the Chili Mac.
- How can I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store single-serving portions in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for up to three months. Allow frozen portions to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave.
- What side dishes complement Chili Mac?
- Chili Mac is a hearty meal on its own, but you can pair it with fresh and light sides like Cowboy Caviar, Sweet Corn Salsa, or Cumin Lime Coleslaw for a balanced meal.
- Can I use a different type of ground beef?
- It’s recommended to use 85% or 90% lean ground beef to minimize excess fat. If using a higher fat content beef, ensure to drain the excess fat before adding other ingredients.
Tips
- Opt for lean ground beef (85-90%) to minimize the need to drain excess fat from the pan, making the cooking process easier and cleaner.
- Use cornstarch instead of flour for a silkier gravy texture, enhancing the overall mouthfeel of the dish.
- If using a low-sodium beef broth, consider adding a pinch of salt at the end of cooking to really enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
- For storage, refrigerate single-serving portions for up to five days or freeze them for up to three months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the microwave.
Equipment
- Deep Stainless Steel Skillet or Dutch Oven – A large, deep skillet or Dutch oven is essential for cooking the entire dish in one pot.
- Garlic Press – While you can mince garlic with a knife, a garlic press can make the process quicker and easier.
- Lid for Skillet or Dutch Oven – If your skillet or Dutch oven does not come with a lid, you might need to purchase one separately to effectively cook the pasta and melt the cheese.
