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Spicy chili mac with jalapeños and beef served in a bowl

Spicy Chili Mac

A comforting one-pot meal combining ground beef, macaroni, and spicy jalapeños for a hearty twist on traditional mac and cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 500 g ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
  • 300 g macaroni You can use gluten-free pasta if preferred.
  • 1 piece onion, chopped About 100 g when chopped.
  • 1 piece jalapeño, diced Use more for extra heat.
  • 400 ml tomato sauce Substitute with diced tomatoes if needed.
  • 1 tbsp chili powder Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp cayenne For additional spiciness.
  • 200 g cheddar cheese, shredded Can substitute with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and diced jalapeño over medium heat until the meat is fully cooked.
  2. Add in the chili powder and cayenne. Stir well to mix the spices with the meat.
  3. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir everything together. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
  4. Cook the macaroni in a separate pot according to package instructions, or cook it in the same pot if preferred.
  5. Once the macaroni is cooked, combine it with the meat sauce. Mix well and add the shredded cheddar cheese on top, stirring until melted.

Notes

Serve in bowls topped with additional cheddar cheese, slices of fresh jalapeño, or a dollop of sour cream for contrast. Pairs well with a green salad or crusty bread.