Dutch Oven Chili Mac Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- Add Beans: Stir in the chili beans along with their sauce, mixing well so they combine thoroughly with the cooked meat.
- Incorporate Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot and stir it into the meat and beans mixture evenly.
- Pour Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir all ingredients to combine. Bring the mixture up to a rolling boil.
- 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.
- 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.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the chili mac and add salt, pepper, or additional spices as needed to enhance the flavor.
- 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
Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/dutch-oven-chili-mac-recipe/
