One Pot Chili Mac

What are the ingredients needed?

Here are the ingredients needed for One Pot Chili Mac:

Meat

- 1 pound ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)

- Optional: 85 or 90% lean ground beef

Spices and Seasonings

- 1 tablespoon chili powder (or Ancho chile powder)

- 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder

- 1-2 teaspoons smoked paprika

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

- Salt and black pepper

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Aromatics

- 1 large yellow onion, chopped

- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

- 1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped

Sauce and Broth

- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed fire-roasted tomatoes

- 1/4 cup tomato paste

- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

- 2-3 cups chicken or beef broth

- 1 cup evaporated milk

- Hot sauce (optional)

Pasta and Cheese

- 1 pound short cut pasta (elbow macaroni, macaroni shells, or similar)

- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

- 2 cups shredded melty cheese (Colby jack, cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican cheese blend)

Toppings

- Green onions and cilantro, for serving

- Tortilla chips, for serving

Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences and dietary needs.

How to make one pot chili mac?

To make one pot chili mac, follow these steps:

1. Cook ground beef and onions in a large pot until the meat is browned, then drain the excess grease.

2. Add chili seasoning, tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, and chili beans (or a chili starter like Bush's Chili Magic) to the pot.

3. Pour in beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Add macaroni pasta to the pot and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Cook until the pasta is tender, then serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.