Are you short on time but still craving a delicious and hearty dinner? Look no further than this easy chili mac recipe that can be made right in your Instant Pot! It's a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want to whip up a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
One of the great things about this chili mac recipe is its simplicity. You don't need a long list of fancy ingredients or complex cooking techniques. All you need are some basic pantry staples and a little bit of time in the Instant Pot, and you'll have a mouth - watering dish ready to serve.
Let's start with the ingredients. For the chili part, you'll need ground beef or turkey, onions, garlic, canned tomatoes (diced or crushed), kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. These are the classic flavors that make up a great chili. For the macaroni part, choose your favorite type of elbow macaroni. And of course, cheese is a must - have for this dish. You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both.
First, turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add a little bit of oil to the pot and then add the onions. Cook them until they are translucent, which usually takes about 3 - 4 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, add the ground meat and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook the meat until it is browned all over.
Once the meat is cooked, add the canned tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Then, add the elbow macaroni to the pot. Make sure the macaroni is fully submerged in the liquid. Pour in enough water or broth to cover the macaroni and the chili mixture. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
Select the manual or pressure cook function on your Instant Pot and set the time for about 5 - 6 minutes. This will cook the macaroni and allow all the flavors to meld together. After the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
Now, here's an important tip from our Test Kitchen. To avoid any chance of the cheese burning during cooking, save one cup of the cheese to top - off your chili when it's ready to eat. Open the lid of the Instant Pot and give the chili mac a good stir. The macaroni should be cooked to perfection, and the chili should have a rich and flavorful sauce.
Sprinkle the saved cheese over the top of the chili mac. The heat from the chili will melt the cheese, creating a deliciously cheesy and gooey layer. You can also add some additional toppings like chopped green onions, sour cream, or a sprinkle of extra chili powder for an extra kick.
This chili mac is not only delicious but also very versatile. You can customize it according to your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or some hot sauce. If you want to make it vegetarian, simply omit the meat and add more beans or some mushrooms for extra texture.
It's also a great meal for sharing. You can serve it to your family and friends, and they'll surely love it. Whether it's a cozy dinner at home on a cold evening or a casual gathering with friends, this chili mac is a crowd - pleaser.
In conclusion, this easy chili mac recipe made in the Instant Pot is a game - changer for those who are short on time but still want a delicious and fulfilling dinner. With its simple ingredients, quick cooking time, and customizable flavors, it's a recipe that you'll want to make again and again. So, go ahead and give it a try in your own kitchen, and enjoy the wonderful taste of this chili mac!
