Comforting Cheesy Chili Macaroni

Name: Comforting Cheesy Chili Macaroni
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes, with juices; 1 small can diced green chiles; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

This hearty chili macaroni is a cheesy, comforting dinner that the whole family will love.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 American· September 2, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

10 minutes

Cook

25 minutes

Total

35 minutes

Serves

There is something so satisfying about a big bowl of chili macaroni on a chilly evening. It combines two of the best comfort foods into one easy pot, making it a favorite in my kitchen whenever we need a meal that feels like a warm hug.

My biggest tip is to grate your cheese fresh from a block instead of using the pre shredded kind. It melts so much smoother and gives you that perfect gooey texture that makes this dish truly special.

🧺 Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes, with juices
1 small can diced green chiles
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until it is cooked through.
2
Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until they are soft and fragrant.
3
Stir in the beans, diced tomatoes, green chiles, beef broth, chili powder, and cumin.
4
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5
Stir in the uncooked macaroni, cover the pot, and lower the heat to a simmer.
6
Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
7
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until everything is melted and creamy.
8
Season with salt and pepper to your liking before serving.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat it on the stove with a tiny splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. It tastes even better the next day.

#comfort food #pasta #beef #easy dinner #cheesy

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