Give chili a whole new texture by adding macaroni and cheese to the mix! It’s comfort food at its best! This recipe will change a non-chili believer (like myself) into a chili fanatic. It’s an easy one-pot recipe that will have your family smiling.
I am not one that loves surprises, however, I love to surprise people. Is that weird? This weekend was my husband’s birthday, but he was actually on shift that day so we celebrated as a family 2 days before. The next morning I had to go to work, but little did the hubby know I had been working on a plan. I had texted a bunch of his friends to meet at my house after I got home from work that night. I clearly informed them not to ring the doorbell before 8 o’clock. I wanted to be sure I saw his reaction! Earlier that day I told my husband I had gotten a babysitter so we could go out for his birthday and that she’d be there at 8, so to be sure he picked up around the house (I couldn’t have our house a disaster when these guys showed up!). Mwahahah! So as soon as I get home I text the guys and tell them it’s safe. My husband is upstairs changing when they knock. Ugh. I start calling to him telling him some guy is at the door, can he please answer it? His response- “I don’t have any pants on!”. Great! I just keep insisting HE needs to answer the door and to hurry up. He reluctantly gets to the door and gets a “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” from about 4 of his buddies. Walking up behind him, I tell him he is off to go race go-carts on a guy’s night out for his birthday. He was pleasantly surprised and eager to have fun with the fellas. These guys watch the kids quite often so us ladies can play bunco monthly, occasionally go to dinner with the girls and attend church responsibilities weekly at night. They deserved a turn! They had a blast! Six guys- all devoted fathers, loving husbands, professionals, church-going, hard-working manly men out to have a good time! I received several pictures and video of them racing with a thumbs up throughout the night. They even went out for ice cream after! Hahahaha!! I think that part is hilarious! 
I don’t jump for joy when I hear chili is being served. I’ve just never been a big fan of it, especially with rice. When I made this recipe one night for the kids and I, my husband was very confused when he heard that I had made chili. Adding the pasta gives the recipe a whole different texture. Out of this big pot, only enough for 1 serving was left over for the next day. We liked it that much! PLUS, it’s easy and uses 1 pot! I’m always up for less mess in the kitchen, especially when I have to clean it by myself. At the end of a long day. After washing up 5 kids. Brushing 5 mouths of teeth. Reading bedtime stories. Saying 5 prayers and giving lots of hugs and kisses to last them till morning… I’m tired. Too many times we fall asleep next to one of our children only to wake up at midnight or 1 in the morning to a house still lit up with lights downstairs and a messy kitchen. Ugh. Yes, we clean it. It always makes for a smoother morning when it’s clean. Don’t you think so too?
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 sweet onion, chopped
- 2 C chicken broth or GF chicken broth
- 2 C Ragu Traditional Spaghetti Sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can mild diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (16 oz) can Bushes mild chili beans (undrained)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 C elbow macaroni or GF macaroni
- salt and pepper to taste
- shredded cheddar cheese
- chopped green onions for garnish
- sour cream for garnish
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, onion and garlic over medium heat. Stir frequently. Drain fat.
- Add chicken broth, spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, beans, seasonings and macaroni. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and stir. Cover and let simmer on low for about 14-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir. Add toppings to individual bowls and serve.
Notes
adapted from Very Culinary
What a lovely surprise party for your husband!! Chili mac is a favorite at out house too and I can totally understand being tired at night after taking care of the kids, we have 6! I too hate waking up to a dirty kitchen, it just starts my day off all wrong.