Ultimate Chili Mac Delight
This Ultimate Chili Mac Delight is a flavorful and hearty one-pot meal that combines the comforting tastes of macaroni and chili into a deliciously satisfying dish. Featuring lean ground beef, a medley of veggies, and a zesty blend of spices, this recipe is a favorite among families. Packed with nutritious beans and topped with creamy cheese, it will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to impress with its robust flavors and delightful textures.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (browned)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
chopped green pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
cooked elbow macaroni
2 cups (cooked)
water
1/2 cup (none)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (none)
cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
kidney beans
1 (15 1/4 ounce) can (drained)
chopped tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
corn
1 (8 3/4 ounce) can (drained (or use frozen))
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (none)
tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (none)
low-fat cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup (shredded (for topping))
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, heat medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and crumbles easily, about 5-7 minutes.
2
If desired, drain excess fat and wipe out any drippings from the pan with a paper towel for a leaner option.
3
Return the cooked beef mixture to the Dutch oven. Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni, water, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, kidney beans (drained), chopped tomatoes (with juice), corn (drained), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well until combined.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the chili mac to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
After 20 minutes, remove from heat. Serve the chili mac in individual bowls.
6
Top each serving with 2 tablespoons of cheese, allowing it to melt slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
27.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Chili Mac Delight?
Ultimate Chili Mac Delight is a flavorful and hearty one-pot meal that combines the comforting tastes of macaroni and chili into a satisfying dish.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include lean ground beef, cooked elbow macaroni, kidney beans, chopped tomatoes, corn, tomato sauce, and various spices.
How many calories are in a serving of this chili mac?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 27.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the total fat content?
The dish contains 12.5 grams of fat per serving.
How long does it take to cook the beef and vegetables?
The ground beef, onion, green pepper, and garlic should be cooked for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned.
Should the elbow macaroni be pre-cooked?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 cups of already cooked elbow macaroni.
How much chili powder is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
What type of beans are used in this chili mac?
A 15 1/4 ounce can of kidney beans, drained, is used in this dish.
Should I drain the chopped tomatoes?
No, the chopped tomatoes should be added with their juice (undrained).
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned corn?
Yes, you can use either one (8 3/4 ounce) can of drained corn or an equivalent amount of frozen corn.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe suggests using low-fat cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese.
How much cheese should be added to each serving?
Top each individual bowl with 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese.
How long should the mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
Do I need to cover the pot while it simmers?
Yes, cover the pot after it reaches a boil and then reduce the heat to low to simmer.
How much tomato paste is required?
The recipe uses one 6 ounce can of tomato paste.
Is there any water added to the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of water is stirred into the mixture before simmering.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The spices used are chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Should the fat be drained from the beef?
Yes, for a leaner option, it is recommended to drain excess fat and wipe out drippings before adding other ingredients.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
What size Dutch oven is best?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for this one-pot meal.
How much chopped onion and green pepper are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 1/2 cup of chopped green pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is specifically described as being perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Can this dish be considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as a hearty family favorite.
How much cumin should I add?
Add 1 teaspoon of cumin to the mixture.
What is the total ingredient count?
This recipe consists of 16 different ingredients.
Is the tomato sauce canned?
Yes, the recipe calls for one 8 ounce can of tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the exact serving count is null in the data, the total amount of cheese (1 cup) divided by 2 tablespoons per serving suggests it makes about 8 servings.
Why should I stir the chili mac occasionally while it simmers?
Stirring occasionally helps prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish is described as having robust flavors and delightful textures, combining macaroni, beef, beans, and corn.