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The foundation of any great mac and cheese dish begins with the pasta. For this Cheesy Chili Mac Mash-Up, using elbow macaroni is traditional, but feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi. When cooking the pasta, it is crucial to achieve an al dente texture. This means cooking the pasta until it is firm to the bite, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better when combined with the chili and cheese sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy during the baking process.

Easy Chili Mac and Cheese Skillet

Dive into a comforting culinary adventure with Cheesy Chili Mac Mash-Up, a delicious blend of creamy macaroni and zesty chili. This heartwarming dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or lively potlucks, pleasing both kids and adults alike. Its versatility makes it easy to adapt to various diets, from using ground turkey to plant-based proteins. With rich flavors and cheesy goodness, this meal is sure to become a family favorite that brings warmth and joy to every occasion.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound elbow macaroni

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter version)

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Optional toppings: sour cream, fresh cilantro, jalapeños

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

      Brown the Meat: Push the onion and garlic to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

        Add the Beans and Tomatoes: Once the meat is cooked, stir in the kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes (including their juices). Mix well.

          Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.

            Combine Pasta and Broth: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and mix everything together, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

              Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the dish is creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

                Serve It Up: Remove from heat and top with additional cheese, if desired. Optionally, garnish with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.

                  Enjoy: Serve warm directly from the skillet for a cozy, hearty meal!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                      15 minutes | 30 minutes | 6 servings