Chili Mac Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 2-3 jalapenos (diced (use bell pepper for milder heat))
• 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon cayenne (optional, for spicy)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hot sauce to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2.5 cups beef broth
• 2 15-ounce cans fire roasted tomatoes (or use diced or crushed tomatoes)
• 1 15- ounce can red kidney beans (drained)
• 8 ounces dry elbow macaroni noodles
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or use a Mexican blend)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the onion and jalapeno peppers. Cook for 5 minutes to soften.

2. 2

   Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add the ground beef and break apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes to brown and cook mostly through, stirring a bit.

4. 4

   Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper, hot sauce, and tomato paste. Cook 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices, stirring.

5. 5

   Add the beef broth, tomatoes, kidney beans, and macaroni noodles. Stir.

6. 6

   Cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are done to your liking.

7. 7

   Stir in half of the cheddar cheese until melty, then remove from heat. Top with remaining cheese and cover off heat for 2-3 minutes to melt the top cheese.

8. 8

   Garnish and serve!