Dive into a comforting bowl of chili mac that's both hearty and easy to make. This dish combines the spicy, robust flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will have your family coming back for seconds.
Photos of Easy Chili Mac Recipe
Most of the ingredients in this chili mac recipe are commonly found in your pantry. However, you might need to pick up mexi or chili-style stewed tomatoes and homemade taco seasoning at the supermarket if you don't already have them. These ingredients are key to achieving the authentic, bold flavors in this dish.
Ingredients for Easy Chili Mac Recipe
Ground beef: Adds a meaty, hearty base for the chili mac.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory depth to the dish.
Green bell pepper: Adds a slight crunch and freshness.
Mexi or chili-style stewed tomatoes: Infuses the dish with authentic chili flavors.
Water: Helps to blend all the flavors together.
Homemade taco seasoning: Adds a robust, spicy kick to the chili mac.
Elbow macaroni: The pasta base that soaks up all the flavors.
Cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy, delicious topping.
One reader, De Witt Courtney says:
This easy chili mac recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and it's so simple to make. My family loved it, and it's now a weeknight favorite. The cheesy goodness and hearty beef make it incredibly satisfying. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Chili Mac
How to cook pasta: Boil water, add pasta, and cook until al dente, typically 2 minutes less than the package instructions. How to cook ground beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink. How to chop an onion: Peel the onion, cut it in half, and chop it into small, even pieces. How to chop a green bell pepper: Remove the stem and seeds, then chop the pepper into small, even pieces. How to drain fat: After cooking the ground beef, carefully pour off the excess fat or use a spoon to remove it from the skillet. How to simmer: Cook the mixture at a low temperature, just below boiling, allowing it to bubble gently.
How To Make Easy Chili Mac
This homemade chili made of macaroni that is baked in creamy sauce is probably the easiest, most savory family-friendly meal you’ll ever try.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbground beef
- 1medium onion,chopped
- 1green bell pepper,chopped
- 14½ozMexi or chili-style stewed tomatoes,(1 can) undrained
- ½cupwater
- 2tbspHomemade Taco Seasoning,or 1 packet of taco seasoning mix
- 2cupselbow macaroni,or small shells
- 2cupscheddar cheese,shredded, divided
Instructions
-
Cook the pasta two minutes shy of the package instructions, rinse and let cool.
-
In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and green pepper over medium heat 5 minutes, or until beef is no longer pink; drain.
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Stir in tomatoes, water and taco seasoning.
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Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add pasta back into pot, stir well to combine and cook for 2 minutes.
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Add in cheese, stir well and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 531.86kcal
- Fat: 30.75g
- Saturated Fat: 14.39g
- Trans Fat: 1.41g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.49g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.31g
- Carbohydrates: 33.36g
- Fiber: 3.44g
- Sugar: 4.36g
- Protein: 29.16g
- Cholesterol: 98.56mg
- Sodium: 621.53mg
- Calcium: 347.31mg
- Potassium: 535.65mg
- Iron: 2.69mg
- Vitamin A: 135.93µg
- Vitamin C: 25.57mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Chili Mac
To enhance the flavor of the ground beef, consider browning it in the skillet until it develops a deep, caramelized crust before adding the onion and green bell pepper. This will add a rich, savory depth to your chili mac.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Easy Chili Mac
Pre-cook the pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This will save you a step when you’re ready to assemble the dish.
Chop vegetables in advance: Dice the onion and green bell pepper the night before and store them in airtight containers.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to save time on grating.
Batch cook ground beef: Cook extra ground beef and freeze portions for future recipes, reducing prep time.
One-pot method: Use a single large skillet to cook everything, minimizing cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Chili Mac Recipe
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.
ground beef - Substitute with black beans: For a vegetarian option, black beans add protein and a hearty texture.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion-like flavor and can add a different texture.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers are sweeter and add a vibrant color to the dish.
green bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers offer a mild heat and a rich flavor.
mexi or chili-style stewed tomatoes - Substitute with diced tomatoes with green chilies: They provide a similar flavor with a bit of extra spice.
mexi or chili-style stewed tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes and chili powder: This combination can mimic the flavor profile of chili-style stewed tomatoes.
water - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth adds more depth of flavor to the dish.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth enhances the overall taste.
homemade taco seasoning - Substitute with store-bought taco seasoning: Convenient and readily available, it provides a similar flavor.
homemade taco seasoning - Substitute with chili powder and cumin: These spices can replicate the main flavors of taco seasoning.
elbow macaroni - Substitute with rotini pasta: Rotini holds the sauce well and provides a similar texture.
elbow macaroni - Substitute with whole wheat macaroni: A healthier option with more fiber and nutrients.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with monterey jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts well and offers a mild, creamy flavor.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with pepper jack cheese: For a spicier kick, pepper jack adds both heat and creaminess.
Best Way to Present Chili Mac
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure that the ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, stewed tomatoes, and cheddar cheese are of the finest quality to enhance the flavors.
Cook pasta perfectly: Boil the elbow macaroni two minutes shy of the package instructions to maintain a slightly firm texture, which will hold up better when mixed with the other ingredients.
Create a flavorful base: Sauté the ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper until the beef is no longer pink. This step builds a rich, savory foundation for the dish.
Incorporate robust seasoning: Add homemade taco seasoning to the mixture, ensuring it is well-distributed to infuse the dish with a deep, complex flavor profile.
Simmer for depth: Allow the mixture of stewed tomatoes, water, and seasoning to simmer for 10 minutes. This step melds the flavors together, creating a cohesive and rich sauce.
Combine with precision: Gently fold the cooked elbow macaroni back into the pot, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the sauce for a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Finish with cheese: Stir in the cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the dish, adding a creamy, indulgent finish.
Plate with elegance: Serve the chili mac in a shallow, wide-rimmed bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for a touch of color and added flavor.
Consider texture contrast: Add a side of crusty bread or tortilla chips to provide a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy, hearty chili mac.
Garnish thoughtfully: Finish with a light drizzle of hot sauce or a few slices of jalapeño for an extra kick, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Essential Tools for Making Chili Mac
Large skillet: Used for cooking the ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper together. It provides enough space to cook the ingredients evenly.
Pot: Needed for boiling the elbow macaroni. Make sure it's large enough to accommodate the pasta and water.
Colander: Used to drain the pasta after boiling. It helps to remove excess water efficiently.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients in the skillet and combining the pasta with the other ingredients.
Measuring cups: Essential for measuring the water and cheddar cheese accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the homemade taco seasoning precisely.
Chef's knife: Needed for chopping the onion and green bell pepper.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the vegetables.
Can opener: Required for opening the can of mexi or chili-style stewed tomatoes.
Grater: If you are using a block of cheddar cheese, a grater will be needed to shred it.
Mixing bowl: Useful for holding the cooked pasta while it cools.
Tongs: Handy for mixing the pasta back into the pot with the other ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Chili Mac
- Let the chili mac cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the fridge, transfer the cooled chili mac to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- For freezing, divide the cooled chili mac into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze the chili mac for up to 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
- To reheat, thaw the frozen chili mac overnight in the refrigerator.
- Transfer the thawed chili mac to a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through (about 2-3 minutes on high power).
- Alternatively, you can reheat the chili mac in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it's heated through (about 5-7 minutes).
- If the reheated chili mac seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or beef broth to help restore its original consistency.
- Serve the reheated chili mac hot, garnished with fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
How To Reheat Chili Mac Leftovers
Stovetop method: place the leftover chili mac in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or beef broth to help moisten it.
Microwave method: transfer the leftover chili mac to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters and help retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover chili mac to an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
Add toppings: to freshen up the reheated chili mac, consider adding some fresh toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.
Adjust seasoning: after reheating, taste the chili mac and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or extra chili powder to enhance the flavors.
Interesting Fact About Chili Mac
A fun fact about this chili mac recipe is that it combines the hearty flavors of chili with the comforting texture of macaroni, making it a perfect one-pot meal that is both filling and easy to prepare.
Is Making Chili Mac at Home Cost-Effective?
This easy chili mac recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, and cheddar cheese ensures a hearty meal without breaking the bank. The use of homemade taco seasoning and elbow macaroni adds to the affordability. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $12-$15 USD.
Is This Chili Mac Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This chili mac recipe, while comforting and delicious, leans towards the unhealthy side due to a few key factors:
- High in saturated fat from the ground beef and cheddar cheese
- Lacks a significant source of fiber, as the recipe only includes a small amount of vegetables and refined pasta
- Potentially high in sodium, depending on the taco seasoning and stewed tomatoes used
However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be transformed into a more nutritious meal:
- Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or a plant-based alternative like crumbled tofu or lentils to reduce saturated fat and increase fiber
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding diced carrots, celery, or zucchini to the skillet, or serve the chili mac over a bed of leafy greens
- Opt for whole wheat or legume-based pasta to boost the fiber content and provide a slower release of energy
- Use low-sodium taco seasoning and stewed tomatoes to control salt intake
- Reduce the amount of cheddar cheese or choose a lower-fat variety, and consider topping the dish with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess
By incorporating these changes, you can create a more balanced and nourishing meal that still satisfies your craving for a hearty, comforting dish. Remember, small adjustments can make a big difference in the overall healthfulness of your diet.
Editor's Opinion on This Chili Mac Recipe
This easy chili mac recipe is a delightful fusion of comfort food and Tex-Mex flavors. The ground beef, onions, and green bell pepper create a robust base, while the homemade taco seasoning adds a personalized touch. The use of mexi-style stewed tomatoes enhances the dish with a rich, tangy depth. Cooking the pasta slightly underdone ensures it absorbs the flavors without becoming mushy. Finally, the melted cheddar cheese brings everything together in a creamy, satisfying finish. It's a quick, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Enhance Your Easy Chili Mac Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Chili Mac
Why trust this Easy Chili Mac Recipe:
This easy chili mac recipe is a surefire hit for busy weeknights. With ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper, it delivers a hearty, flavorful meal. The addition of homemade taco seasoning and cheddar cheese ensures a rich, comforting taste. Plus, it's quick to prepare, making it perfect for those who need a delicious dinner in a hurry. Trust this recipe for its simplicity and satisfying flavors.
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