Easy Chili Mac Recipe
Try this Easy Chili Mac Recipe recipe.
Try this Easy Chili Mac Recipe recipe.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- 3 cups diced onion (about 2 medium onions)
- 2 pounds ground beef (i like to use ground chuck.)*
- 7 ounces canned diced green chiles
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper plus more to taste
- 8 ounces beef broth
- 64 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 3 (16) ounce cansâ bush’s beans chili beans kidney be
- 1 pound shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)
- optional garnish: sour cream shredded cheese, diced green onion
- Carbohydrate 40.5308984298309 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.82425507845073 g
- Fiber 4.61941881773307 g
- Protein 7.91069300060195 g
- Saturated Fat 0.303834371741444 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -15 (341g)
- Sodium 377.594118038346 mg
- Sugar 35.9114796120979 g
- Trans Fat 0.370176665327656 g
- Calories 202 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- While pasta is cooking, heat oil in large stock pot over medium heat. Add onions; cook, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Add ground beef, canned chiles, salt, pepper, chili powder and garlic powder. Stir together and continue to cook to brown beef, breaking up any clumps of meat, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once all meat has browned, stir in beef broth, crushed tomatoes and beans (along with bean sauce). Reduce heat to a simmer; allow to simmer for at least 15 minutes.
- Drain pasta. Stir cooked pasta and shredded cheese into chili until combined well and cheese has melted. Salt and pepper to taste.
- (If a thinner consistency is desired add a bit more broth at a time until desired consistency is reached.)
- Serve topped with optional garnish: sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced green onion, diced red onion, corn chips.
My Go-To Comfort Food: Easy Chili Mac
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and after-school activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve perfected a few quick and easy recipes that are both kid-approved and surprisingly healthy, and this Easy Chili Mac is definitely at the top of the list. It's become a family favorite, a comforting hug in a bowl, and a meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t demand exotic ingredients or specialized cooking techniques; it uses pantry staples that I almost always have on hand. The result is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s ready in under an hour, leaving me with more time to focus on the things that truly matter.
The aroma of simmering chili and pasta fills my kitchen, a warm invitation to the dinner table. I love the versatility of this dish. It's easily adaptable to suit different tastes. My kids adore the cheesy, hearty goodness, while my husband appreciates the savory depth of the chili. Sometimes, I’ll add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a hint of freshness. Other times, I'll let my children decorate their bowls with their favorite toppings – everything from shredded cheese to crushed tortilla chips. The possibilities are endless! This is more than just a recipe; it's a canvas for creativity and a testament to the power of simple ingredients transforming into something truly special. It's a perfect example of how delicious and nourishing food doesn't have to be complicated. It's a lesson in efficient cooking, demonstrating how you can create a wholesome and satisfying meal without compromising precious time.
Beyond its practicality, this Easy Chili Mac holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of simpler times, of cozy evenings spent around the dinner table with my family. The warmth of the chili, the satisfying chew of the pasta, the comforting aroma—it’s a sensory experience that evokes a sense of home and belonging. It's a recipe I've passed down to my own children, and I know that one day, they'll be creating these same comforting memories in their own kitchens. It's more than just a meal; it's a legacy of love, comfort, and deliciousness, passed down through generations. It's the kind of recipe that brings people together and fosters a sense of togetherness, something I truly treasure. And that, for me, is the true magic of cooking.
Ingredients I use:
- High-quality ground beef for a richer flavor
- Canned diced green chilies for a touch of spice
- A generous amount of chili powder for depth of flavor
- Sharp cheddar cheese for a satisfying melt
- My secret weapon: a splash of Worcestershire sauce for umami boost (optional)
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chili Mac:
- Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente is key!
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor.
- Simmer the chili for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. A pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Get creative with your toppings! The possibilities are endless.
This Easy Chili Mac is more than just a recipe; it's a shortcut to family happiness and warm memories. It’s a testament to the idea that even the busiest of lives can still include delicious, home-cooked meals. So next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal, give this recipe a try. You won't regret it.
