Cheesy Chili Mac Delight
Indulge in this comforting Cheesy Chili Mac Delight, a delightful fusion of rich flavors and textures that kids and adults alike will love. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a zesty chili mixture made from fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and seasoned tomatoes, all topped off with deliciously melted Monterey Jack cheese. It's perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a satisfying meal that's easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Serve it hot, and watch it disappear!
6
Servings
467
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
1 cup (uncooked)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
onion
1 medium (diced)
green pepper
1 (diced)
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
stewed tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (with juice)
red kidney beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
corn
1 (11 ounce) can (drained)
dried basil
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 6 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green pepper, and minced garlic, cooking for about 6 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, stirring frequently.
3
Stir in the can of stewed tomatoes (with their juice), drained red kidney beans, drained corn, dried basil, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4
Cover the skillet and let the chili mixture cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld together.
5
After 15 minutes, stir in the cooked macaroni and let it cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing it to heat through completely.
6
Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and well-distributed throughout the dish.
7
Let the Cheesy Chili Mac Delight stand for 5 to 10 minutes uncovered before serving, which allows the flavors to set.
8
Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, family-friendly meal!
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
70g
Carbs
20g
Protein
8g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chili Mac Delight?
Cheesy Chili Mac Delight is a comforting fusion of tender elbow macaroni and a zesty chili mixture made from vegetables, beans, and seasoned tomatoes, finished with melted Monterey Jack cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as 'Kid Friendly' and is designed to be a meal that both kids and adults will love.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni.
How long should I cook the macaroni?
Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water for about 6 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What vegetables are included in the chili base?
The base includes one medium diced onion, one diced green pepper, and three minced garlic cloves.
Do I need to drain the stewed tomatoes?
No, you should use the 28-ounce can of stewed tomatoes with their juice to help create the sauce.
What kind of beans are used in Cheesy Chili Mac Delight?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of red kidney beans, which should be drained and rinsed before adding.
How much cheese is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
What spices are used to season the chili?
The dish is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of dried basil, 1.5 tablespoons of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How long does the chili mixture need to simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a simmer, cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15 minutes.
When do I add the cooked macaroni to the skillet?
Add the cooked macaroni after the chili mixture has simmered for 15 minutes, then cook for an additional 3 minutes.
How should I incorporate the cheese?
Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until it is melted and well-distributed.
Should the dish be served immediately after adding the cheese?
It is recommended to let the dish stand for 5 to 10 minutes uncovered before serving to allow the flavors to set.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 467 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving has 13 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
One serving contains 70 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this a high-fiber meal?
Yes, it provides 8 grams of fiber per serving, making it a hearty choice.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There are 3 grams of sugar per serving.
What is the primary cooking oil used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
Can I use a different type of corn?
The recipe specifies one 11-ounce can of drained corn, but you could likely substitute with an equivalent amount of frozen corn.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
While you boil the pasta in a separate pot, the rest of the meal is finished in one large skillet, making it very easy to prepare.
What are some of the tags associated with this recipe?
Common tags include comfort food, easy recipe, family dinner, hearty, and vegetable packed.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of minced fresh garlic.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
Does this recipe include meat?
No, this specific version of the recipe is meatless, relying on beans and cheese for protein.
How do you prepare the onion and green pepper?
Both the onion and the green pepper should be diced before cooking.
What gives the dish its 'zesty' flavor?
The zestiness comes from the combination of chili powder, garlic, and stewed tomatoes.
Can I substitute the Monterey Jack cheese?
While Monterey Jack is recommended for its melting properties, you could substitute it with Cheddar or a Mexican blend if desired.