Description
Chili Mac with Ground Beef and Mexican Spices is a hearty, cheesy, one-pot comfort dish loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, kidney beans, and classic Mexican spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes with juices, kidney beans, beef broth, and macaroni. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a chopped jalapeño or more cayenne.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Top with sour cream or avocado for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: chili mac, ground beef recipes, one pot meal, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, Mexican spices