Chili Mac

1. Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced jalapeño, along with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 7 minutes, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

3. Brown the Beef

Push the vegetables to the side of the pot, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Sprinkle flour and chili powder over the beef and stir well.

4. Create Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes and half-and-half, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes.

5. Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta, shredded cheese, and chopped scallions to the pot. Stir until the cheese melts and the pasta is coated. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Bake Chili Mac

Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Mix panko bread crumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the pasta. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.