One Pot Chili Mac

It is "Chili Mac" weather.  We've  been getting out our sweaters and jackets, and enjoying a little fire in the evenings; both of which put me in mind of a pot of Chili Mac. It warms you and satisfies you when the nights get cool.   This comforting family meal is a one pot meal and easy to make with little mess to clean up.   My guys love it.

 Begin by browning 1 lb of ground beef in a pot or dutch oven.

 Stir in seasonings as meat browns (if you need to drain the fat off of the meat, do so before adding seasonings).

Add fresh chopped vegetables and simmer until vegetables begin to soften.

Add beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce and broth.

Stir well, and bring to a simmer over medium high heat.

Add Macaroni and stir well.

Simmer 8-10 minutes, or until Macaroni is tender, but not too soft.

 Cover with cheese. Place lid on top and simmer another minute or two….

 Until cheese is melted.

 Garnish with fresh tomatoes and green onions.

 Dish it up….

and serve.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small green pepper, chopped
1 onion, finely chopped 

1 Jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground beef
1 can pinto beans, drained (about 2 cups pre cooked beans)

1 can kidney beans, drained (about 2 cups pre-cooked beans)
1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14.5 oz size)
1 can tomato sauce (15 oz size) 

4 cups organic beef or chicken broth
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin

2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
12 ounces macaroni of choice (whole wheat, brown rice, Dreamfields  or what ever you like to use).
2 1/2 - 3  cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
1.    In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. 

2.    Add ground beef and brown lightly.  I use a lean
       ground beef, so no need to drain… but if you use
       a fattier ground beef, it would be good to drain it at
       this point.

3.    Add chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.  

4.    Stir and brown a little more. 

5.    Add green pepper, Jalapeño, onion, and garlic.
       Sauté until vegetables begin to soften - about 5

       minutes.
6.    Add beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and
       broth.

7.    Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
8.    Reduce heat to a simmer and add macaroni. 

9.    Cover the pot and simmer until macaroni is tender; 8
       to 10 minutes. 

10.  Top with shredded cheddar cheese.

11.  Simmer another minute or two with lid on, until
       cheese melts.

12.  Garnish with fresh tomatoes, green onions and cilantro or parsley.

Enjoy!