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Easy One-Pot Campfire Chili Mac and Cheese

One-Pot Campfire Chili Mac and Cheese - featured image
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A quick, filling, and minimal cleanup one-pot meal combining cheesy mac and cheese with hearty chili, perfect for camping or cozy dinners at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (200 g)
  • 1 can chili beans (15 oz / 425 g)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz / 280 g)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (200 g)
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (360 ml)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat or on a campfire grate until shimmering.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef, crumble and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  4. Season the beef with chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper; stir well to coat evenly.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juice), chili beans (undrained), and milk; stir to combine.
  6. Add dry elbow macaroni and mix everything together.
  7. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy; cover and let sit a few minutes if needed.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired; serve warm directly from the pot.

Notes

Keep heat moderate to avoid burning; stir frequently during simmering. Add extra milk or water if pasta thickens too much before fully cooked. Use sharp cheddar cheese for best melting. For vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumble or extra beans. Can be adapted for slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Nutrition

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

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