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Chili Mac Casserole with Ground Beef, Spices, and Cheese Recipe

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3.8 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Eve
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Chili Mac is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal combining ground beef, spices, tomatoes, and pasta. This gluten-free recipe is perfect for a quick stovetop dinner or can be adapted for slow cooking, delivering rich flavors with a creamy cheesy finish.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 1-2 teaspoons coconut oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 small onion (finely diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 pound ground beef (or any ground meat)

Spices and Sauces

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 14.5 ounce canned tomatoes
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or lime juice)
  • Salt (to taste)

Pasta and Cheese

  • 2 cups gluten-free elbow pasta (uncooked)
  • ½ – 1 cup shredded cheese (dairy-free or regular)

Instructions

  1. Heat oil and soften onion: In a large skillet, heat 1-2 teaspoons of coconut or avocado oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Cook meat and garlic: Add 1 pound of ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the meat is fully browned and the garlic is fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add and bloom spices: Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika directly into the pan. Stir continuously for 30 to 60 seconds until the spices are fragrant.
  4. Incorporate tomato paste: Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until it darkens slightly to deepen the flavor.
  5. Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) of canned tomatoes and 1 ½ cups beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Cook pasta: Stir in 2 cups of uncooked gluten-free elbow pasta. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the liquid.
  7. Finish with cheese and vinegar: Stir in ½ to 1 cup shredded cheese and 1-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or lime juice. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to thicken and the cheese to melt.
  8. Season to taste: Adjust salt as needed before serving.
  9. Slow cooker preparation (optional): For deeper flavor, brown the ground meat with garlic and spices in a skillet first. Transfer to a slow cooker and add tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and beef broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  10. Add pasta in slow cooker: If using dry pasta, stir it in during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking on low, stirring occasionally. If using cooked pasta, stir it in just before serving.
  11. Finish slow cooker version: Stir in cheese and apple cider vinegar or lime juice before serving. Adjust salt to taste.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Use dairy-free cheese to make the recipe dairy-free or vegan friendly.
  • Adjust chili powder according to your spice preference.
  • This dish works well with regular gluten pasta if gluten isn’t a concern.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://everecipes.com/chili-mac-casserole-with-ground-beef-spices-and-cheese-recipe/