Growing up, I was always the baker. I’m sure it stemmed from my ridiculous love for all things sweet, but I had a knack for it that did not translate over into general cooking. My inability to cook is what set the wheels in motion that resulted in the most marvelous One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese that I am proud to claim as my own.
My grandma always made the best goulash. She would make it slowly on the stove, letting the flavors mingle in the air and tempt everyone for hours. It was agony waiting, I swear. Whenever I asked her to give me the recipe, she never could, because she said she always just threw stuff in.
It became my mission, over the years, to figure out and master my grandma’s goulash.
My first few attempts resulted in less than edible dishes. I mean, I’m talking bad bad. Then I moved on to flavor profiles that were decidedly Italian, rather than Midwest comfort food. As I finally approached something similar to the flavors I knew, I was disheartened, because I felt like I had strayed so far from the dish I loved that I was ruining my memory of it.
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In the end, it was my grandma who put me back on track, by proclaiming that I had come up with the best tasting chili mac base she had ever tried! I felt like I had been released back into the wild, but on a new path, and it lead me to my one pot chili mac and cheese that has become just as much a staple in my family as my grandma’s goulash.
I want to know about your Family Favorites; the foods you grew up with, the meals that stir comforting memories, the smells that reminded you of home. Please tell me!
Now, how about we make some One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese in the meantime, yes?
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Small White Onion finely diced
- 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
- 4 C Beef Broth
- 1 Can Petite Diced Tomatoes drained
- 1 Can Red Kidney Beans drained and rinsed
- 1 Can Cannellini Beans drained and rinsed
- 2 tsp Cumin
- 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
- Kosher Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 10 oz Uncooked Elbow Pasta
- 2 C Shredded Cheese
- ¼ C Fresh Parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium high heat add the olive oil, followed by the onion, cooking until softened, around 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, then add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces until completely browned, around 4 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add the beef broth, tomatoes, and beans, as well as the cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Bring pot to a simmer then stir in pasta. Return to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 12-15 minutes.
- Remove pot from heat, top with cheese and re-cover until melted, about 3 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with the fresh parsley.
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Imagery Shot With
Canon EOS 6D | Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
Karly, I love a good one-pot meal, and this looks like a good one! Aaahh … comfort food!
Katie says
This looks so tasty – a great combo of two of my favorite dinners! Found you at Friday Favorites, thanks for sharing! Pinned! 🙂
Stephanie says
Does it freeze well?
Karly says
You know, Stephanie, I’ve never had any left over to freeze, so I haven’t tried it! I would assume it would freeze well, considering the ingredients involved. Let me know if you try it!
Quinn Caudill says
Great looking comfort food. Thanks for sharing with us at #Throwback Thursday. Pinned. Hope to see you again next week. Quinn
Katiw says
Please explain, what is C? ‘4 C beef broth’. Really want to try this recipe out!
Karly says
It stands for cups!
Karren Haller says
Oh My Goodness does this look like comfort food, Y.U.M.M.Y!!!
Thank you for sharing on http://ohmyheartsiegirl.com/friday-features-linky-party-37/
Happy Holidays!
Karren
Audrey says
I love one pot meals this time of year. Thanks for sharing on Creative K Kids’ Tasty Tuesdays Linky Party. Hope to see you back next week.
heather @french press says
oh my, I have not thought about goulash in SO long. My neighbor made the BEST goulash, as a kid I loved having dinner at their house. But man, this chii mac is calling my name
kristy @ the wicked noodle says
There’s a food truck that comes to a brewery I frequent and they have the most killer chili mac ‘n cheese! I’ve been working on my own recipe for it so seeing yours is making me DROOL ALL OVER THE PLACE. Looks fantastic!! But then, you’re recipes always do!
Becca / It's Yummi says
One Pot comfort food, for the big win! This looks like the perfect Fall dinner, Karly!