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Easy One-Pot Campfire Chili Mac with Cheese

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A quick and hearty one-pot meal combining smoky chili, melty cheese, and tender pasta, perfect for camping or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 7 oz)
  • 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 8 oz)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for 3–4 minutes until onions soften and fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle chili powder and cumin over the meat mixture. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  4. Pour in canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Add beef broth and bring mixture to a boil. Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12–15 minutes or until pasta is tender but not mushy. Add more broth or water if mixture thickens too much.
  7. Remove pot from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir gently until melted and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot, topped with optional sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

Use a heavy pot to avoid hot spots and burning. Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking. Add cheese off the heat to keep sauce creamy. For vegetarian version, substitute meat with beans or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/easy-one-pot-campfire-chili-mac-with-cheese-recipe-for-perfect-camping-meals/