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One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese without Beans

One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese without Beans: Dinner Done Right

This One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese without Beans is a quick and comforting dish perfect for busy evenings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 1 pound Minced Beef or ground turkey or plant-based meat
  • 2 cups Macaroni gluten-free pasta works too
For the Veggie Boost
  • 1 cup Frozen Sweet Peas or frozen corn or diced bell peppers
  • 1 medium Onion or shallots for milder flavor
  • 1 cup Carrots or zucchini and other vegetables
For Flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste or tomato sauce/crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup Evaporated Milk or heavy cream/coconut milk
  • 2 cloves Garlic or garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or any vegetable oil/butter
  • 1 teaspoon Chipotle Pepper Powder or smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  2. Stir in 1 pound of minced beef, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of chipotle pepper powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Cook until the beef is browned, approximately 5–6 minutes.
  3. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Stir in 2 cups of macaroni, reducing heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes.
  5. Mix in 1 cup of frozen sweet peas and 1 cup of diced carrots. Stir for 2–3 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and pour in 1 cup of evaporated milk. Stir until well combined.
  7. Ladle into bowls and top with extras like cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or scallions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish can be adjusted with various proteins or veggies to suit your taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.

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