Dutch Oven Chili Mac Recipe

Introduction

Dutch Oven Chili Mac is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of chili with creamy mac and cheese. This one-pot meal is easy to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying dinner in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 can (15 oz) chili beans in sauce
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Step 2: Stir in the chili beans with their sauce, mixing well to combine with the meat.
3. Step 3: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot and stir it into the meat and beans mixture.
4. Step 4: Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low, cover the Dutch oven, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Once the macaroni is tender, remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Step 7: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding salt, pepper, or additional spices as desired.
8. Step 8: Serve hot and enjoy your Dutch Oven Chili Mac!

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of your dish.
• Add jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Top with crushed tortilla chips or Fritos for extra texture and crunch.
• Try a vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with black beans or lentils.
• Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique twist.
• Add diced green chilies or chipotle peppers in adobo for smoky heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like shells or penne to suit your preference.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a large pot or heavy-bottomed saucepan with a lid will work well for this recipe.

Dutch Oven Chili Mac Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 75 reviews

Dutch Oven Chili Mac is a hearty and comforting one-pot dish that combines seasoned ground beef, chili beans, elbow macaroni, and melted cheddar cheese in a rich beef broth. This easy and satisfying meal, cooked entirely in a Dutch oven, is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, with the creamy melted cheese adding the perfect touch to its smoky, savory chili flavors.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Beans

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 can (15 oz) chili beans in sauce

Pasta and Broth

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cups beef broth

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
2. Add Beans: Stir in the chili beans along with their sauce, mixing well so they combine thoroughly with the cooked meat.
3. Incorporate Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot and stir it into the meat and beans mixture evenly.
4. Pour Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir all ingredients to combine. Bring the mixture up to a rolling boil.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the Dutch oven with its lid, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom.
6. Add Cheese: Once the macaroni is tender, remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture.
7. Taste and Adjust: Sample the chili mac and add salt, pepper, or additional spices as needed to enhance the flavor.
8. Serve Hot: Finally, serve the dish hot. Optionally, garnish with extra cheese, chopped green onions, or fresh herbs for added color and freshness.

Notes

• Use fresh herbs and spices for enhanced flavor.
• Adjust spice levels by adding jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• For extra texture, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or Fritos on top before serving.
• Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella for new flavor twists.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat thoroughly before eating.
• The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid works well too.
• Feel free to add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Keywords: Dutch Oven Chili Mac, chili mac recipe, one pot chili mac, comfort food, ground beef chili pasta, easy dinner recipe