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When it comes to comfort food, Cheesy Chili Mac Delight stands out not just for its flavor but also for its nutritional value. A typical serving of this dish offers a hearty balance of calories and macronutrients, making it a satisfying option for a family meal.

Slow Cooked Chili Cheese Macaroni

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Cheesy Chili Mac Delight, a perfect blend of rich chili flavors and creamy macaroni and cheese. This hearty dish is not only family-friendly but also customizable to suit any dietary needs, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can create a satisfying meal that warms the heart and fills the stomach. Try this delightful recipe today and enjoy its comforting goodness!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter alternative)

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 packet (1 oz) chili seasoning mix

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)

1 cup beef or vegetable broth

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ground Meat:

    - Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

      - Introduce the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary.

        Combine the Ingredients:

          - Transfer the browned meat mixture to a slow cooker. Add the rinsed kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (including their juices), chili seasoning mix, smoked paprika, and vegetable or beef broth. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

            Incorporate the Pasta:

              - Carefully fold in the uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring it is completely submerged in the surrounding sauce. This helps the pasta cook evenly.

                Slow Cook:

                  - Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours, or on high for 2 hours. If possible, stir occasionally throughout the cooking process and check for pasta tenderness to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

                    Melt in the Cheese:

                      - When you have about 15 minutes left in the cooking time, stir in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well until it becomes melted and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.

                        Serve and Garnish:

                          - Once the dish is fully cooked, serve generous portions of the cheesy chili mac into bowls. Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

                            Enjoy:

                              - Serve this bubbling pot of Cheesy Chili Mac Delight hot, accompanied by your favorite sides or toppings like sour cream or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick!

                                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 6