Chili Mac

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Why This Chili Mac Works

• This dish is made in one pot, reducing cleanup time and making cooking a breeze. You only need the skillet or pot, allowing you to focus more on enjoying the meal with your family.
• The combination of spices, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes creates a rich, bold chili base that pairs perfectly with the creamy shredded cheddar cheese. Every bite brings a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures.
• Kidney beans add protein and texture, making it a hearty option for filling up hungry appetites. They’re also great for picky eaters since their mild flavor blends seamlessly into the dish.
• Halal-certified ground beef ensures everyone at the table can enjoy this Chili Mac, meeting dietary preferences without compromising taste or quality.

Everything You Need for Chili Mac

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (halal-certified)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup halal-certified beef or chicken broth
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (halal-certified)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

The diced onion and garlic give the dish a savory base, while the cumin and chili powder provide depth and warmth. The shredded cheddar cheese binds everything together, making the dish creamy and irresistible.

How To Make Chili Mac Step by Step

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir regularly to avoid browning.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Season the beef with ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, ground coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and halal-certified broth, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Add the elbow macaroni and kidney beans to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
8. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
9. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
10. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

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Side Pairings and Serving Ideas

• Serve with garlic bread for a classic pairing that complements the chili base.
• A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots for added nutrition and variety.
• Offer tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.

Meal Prep, Storage, and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, let Chili Mac cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion.

Reheat stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round to ensure even heating.

You might also enjoy our crock-pot lentil taco chili.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chili Mac

• Use freshly shredded cheddar instead of pre-packaged to enhance the creaminess and melt. Pre-shredded cheese often contains stabilizers that affect texture.
• For deeper flavor, let the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes simmer slightly longer before adding the pasta. This step enhances the chili base.
• If you’re short on time, cook the elbow macaroni separately to reduce simmering time, then combine with the sauce before adding cheese.
• Control spice levels by adjusting the cayenne pepper or omitting it entirely for a milder version.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

• Swap ground beef for halal-certified ground chicken for a lighter version. The texture will remain satisfying, but the flavor will be slightly milder.
• If you don’t have kidney beans, substitute with pinto beans or black beans. Both options offer a similar creamy texture and mild taste.
• Replace elbow macaroni with small shells or rotini for a fun twist. The sauce clings equally well to these pasta shapes.

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