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Cozy One-Pot Campfire Chili Mac and Cheese

one-pot campfire chili mac and cheese - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pot meal combining melty, cheesy macaroni with hearty, spicy chili. Perfect for campfires or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (200g) elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 pound (225g) ground beef, browned
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) chili beans, drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add drained chili beans, diced tomatoes with juice, and tomato sauce. Mix well.
  4. Add elbow macaroni and 3 cups (720ml) water or broth. Stir to submerge pasta. Cover with lid and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove lid, stir in butter and milk. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently until melted and creamy. Add more milk if sauce is too thick.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more chili powder if desired. Let sit off heat for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

Use elbow macaroni or small shells for best texture. Add cheese off heat and stir gently to avoid grainy sauce. Adjust liquid as needed to prevent dryness. For vegetarian or dairy-free versions, substitute ground beef with beans or lentils and use vegan cheese and plant-based milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: campfire chili, mac and cheese, one-pot meal, comfort food, easy dinner, camping recipe, cheesy pasta, chili mac

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/cozy-one-pot-campfire-chili-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-and-delicious/