# Components:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef (alternative: turkey)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Pantry
05 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
07 - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
08 - 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
09 - 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
→ Spices
10 - 2 tbsp chili powder
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
13 - ½ tsp dried oregano
14 - ½ tsp salt
15 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Dairy
16 - 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
17 - ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if present.
02 - Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
03 - Incorporate chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
04 - Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir thoroughly to combine all components.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until pasta is tender.
06 - Remove lid and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
07 - Dish hot servings individually topped with sour cream if desired.
