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Tag: pasta

  • One-Pot Chili Mac & Cheese

    One-Pot Chili Mac & Cheese

    Serves: 5–6
    Prep + cook time: ~25 minutes
    Style: easy comfort food, one pot

    Ingredients

    Main

    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
    • 1 medium onion, finely diced
    • 1 red bell pepper, diced
    • 500 g lean ground beef
    • 800 g canned crushed tomatoes
    • 420 g canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
    • 2½ cups (625 ml) beef stock (or chicken stock)
    • 250 g uncooked elbow macaroni
    • 200 g shredded cheese (cheddar or similar melting cheese)
    • Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

    Seasoning

    • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
    • 2 tsp paprika
    • 2 tsp ground cumin
    • 1½ tsp onion powder
    • 1 tsp dried oregano
    • ½ tsp black pepper
    • 1¼ tsp salt (or to taste)

    Instructions

    1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the bell pepper and cook another 1–2 minutes, until softened.
    2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over.
    3. Sprinkle in all the spices and stir well so the meat is evenly coated. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stock, and kidney beans. Mix to combine.
    4. Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then cover and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
    5. Turn off the heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese until the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
    6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover the pot, and let it sit for 2 minutes until the cheese melts.
    7. Serve hot, topped with fresh herbs if desired.

    Notes

    • Works well with other ground meats like turkey or beef-pork mix.
    • Adjust cayenne for milder or spicier flavor.
    • Thickens even more as it rests — perfect for leftovers.
    One-Pot Chili Mac & Cheese
  • Broccoli & Cheese Pasta — Creamy, Simple, Comfort Food

    Broccoli & Cheese Pasta — Creamy, Simple, Comfort Food

    This broccoli and cheese pasta is a cozy, quick dinner idea that feels like home. Tender broccoli florets, melted cheese and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a creamy, satisfying dish. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but rich enough to feel special.

    🕒 Prep + Cook Time

    About 25–30 minutes

    🍽️ Servings

    2–3 servings

    🛒 Ingredients

    200 g pasta (your choice — shells, penne, or fusilli work great)

    1 medium head of broccoli, cut into small florets

    1–1½ cups grated cheese (cheddar or a mix of cheddar & mozzarella)

    2 tbsp butter

    2 tbsp all-purpose flour

    300 ml milk

    ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

    Salt and pepper, to taste

    A pinch of chili flakes (optional)

    Olive oil (optional, for finishing)

    👩‍🍳 Method (Step by Step)

    Cook the pasta:

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

    Steam the broccoli:

    While the pasta cooks, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water for the last 3–4 minutes of the pasta time. Drain together with the pasta.

    Make the cheese sauce:

    In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to form a light roux.

    Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat if needed.

    Add cheese:

    Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and add the grated cheese a handful at a time, stirring until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder (if using).

    Combine:

    Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the cheese sauce, tossing gently so everything is coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

    Serve:

    Divide between plates or bowls, add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.

    💡 Tips & Variations

    For extra flavor, sauté a clove of minced garlic in olive oil before making the sauce.

    Substitute half of the milk with cream for an even richer sauce.

    Add cooked chicken or bacon for a protein boost.

    Broccoli & Cheese Pasta — Creamy, Simple, Comfort Food