Description
Summer Chili Mac and Cheese is the perfect blend of creamy comfort and zesty flavors, ideal for summer gatherings or cozy nights at home. This dish combines al dente macaroni with savory ground meat, colorful bell peppers, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce, all enhanced by a spicy kick from chili powder. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red and green)
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers; sauté until softened.
- Stir in chili powder and canned tomatoes (with juices); simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Gradually add milk to the skillet while stirring, then mix in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Fold cooked macaroni into the meat mixture until well combined.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg