Cooktop Cove: How to make Instant Pot chili Mac
By Robin Donovan
What happens when you take two of Americans’ favorite dishes—beef chili and mac ‘n cheese—and stir them together in one pot? You get a big pot of delicious Chili Mac—and a whole bunch of happy eaters. Everyone from small children to grandparents loves this recipe.
Most chili powder uses mild chiles, so this dish is full of flavor without being over-the-top spicy. If you like a bit more heat, add some cayenne or ground chipotle for an extra kick. This dish really doesn’t need any adornment, but a dollop of sour cream on top certainly couldn’t hurt anything.
Instant Pot Chili Mac
6
10 minutes
15 minutes, plus 15 minutes to come to pressure
40 minutes
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground beef
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 pound dried elbow macaroni
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Heat the oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add the onions and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Add the beef, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper and cook, stirring and breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the meat is fully browned, about 5 minutes. Push cancel to turn off the sauté function.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, beans, macaroni, tomatoes, broth, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt.
Close the lid and turn the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how cooked you like your pasta. When the cooking time is up, quick release the pressure.
Serve hot, topped with the cheese.
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