One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) chili beans in chili sauce
• 1 jar (15 oz) pasta sauce or tomato puree
• 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., Cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total: 45 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the macaroni until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the ground beef and cook until no longer red. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the chili beans with chili sauce, pasta sauce or tomato puree, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked macaroni and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Add the shredded cheese and milk/cream, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
7. Serve hot in bowls with a sprinkle of cheese on top.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)

• Calories: approximately 450-500 per serving (depending on the type of cheese used)
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 20-25g

Dish Characteristics:

• One-pot meal for easy preparation.
• Creamy and spicy with a rich chili flavor.
• Ground beef adds a savory element to the dish.
• Great as a family meal or for a casual gathering.

User Comments:

1. "This dish is so comforting and delicious! The perfect blend of spicy and creamy."
2. "I love how easy it is to make in one pot. A great weeknight meal."
3. "The chili beans give this dish a unique flavor that my family loves."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili powder as per preference.
• Use a variety of cheeses for different flavor profiles (e.g., Cheddar for a sharper taste or Monterey Jack for a milder one).
• This dish can be easily customized by adding other ingredients like bell peppers, olives, or corn for more texture and flavor.