Chili Mac

As seen on

once upon a chef

Total Time

45 Minutes

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Rating

(117)

Ingredients

4 servings

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Ancho chile powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional; omit for less heat)
1½ teaspoons salt
1 pound 85 or 90% lean ground beef
3 cups chicken broth
8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
8 ounces (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni
1 cup (8 oz) evaporated milk
1½ cups (one 6-oz package) shredded Mexican cheese blend, plus more for serving
3 medium scallions, dark green parts only, thinly sliced
Tortilla chips, for serving

American Kid-Friendly Beginner Dinner ...

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Preparation

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Step 1

Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and cook, stirring often, about 1 minute more. Add the beef and cook, stirring and breaking apart the meat, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 2

Stir in the broth, tomato sauce, oregano, sugar, and macaroni and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring every so often so the macaroni doesn't stick to the bottom, until the pasta is al dente, 9 to 12 minutes. Use a soup spoon to skim any grease off the top, if necessary.

Step 3

Off the heat, add the evaporated milk and cheese and stir until the cheese is melted. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Ladle the chili mac into bowls and sprinkle with the scallions. Serve with more shredded cheese and tortilla chips.