Chili Mac

Time: 45 min Servings: 4

Estimated Per Serving:

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 whole red bell pepper, diced

• 1/2 yellow onion, diced

• 1 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced

• 1 pound ground beef 

• 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 2 teaspoons cumin

• 2 teaspoons coriander

• 1 1/2 teaspoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt, more or less to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• pinch of cayenne powder, to taste

• 3 cups beef broth, more as needed

• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

• 15-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes 

• 15-ounce can tomato sauce

• 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 15-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

• 12 ounces elbow pasta

• 1 to 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• sour cream, optional topping

• chopped green onions, optional topping

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add diced red bell pepper, deseeded and diced jalapeño, and diced yellow onion. Sauté until softened.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add lean ground beef to the pot. Break it apart and cook until browned and no longer pink.

5. Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, oregano, salt (adjust to taste), black pepper, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne powder to taste. Stir and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.

6. Pour in beef broth, then add light brown sugar, a can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, a can of tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.

7. Stir in rinsed and drained kidney beans and uncooked elbow pasta.

8. Cover the pot and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

9. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in finely chopped cilantro and shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

10. Top it off with a dollop of sour cream (or plain greek yogurt), green onions, and a bit more cheddar cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious chili mac!

*Disclaimer - credit to this recipe goes to @Moribyan