![- 1 pound elbow macaroni - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, finely diced - 1 pound ground turkey or ground beef - 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 cups beef or vegetable broth - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Additional veggies (zucchini, corn, etc.) - Hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat Chili mac has a mix of carbs, protein, and fats. Each serving has about 400-500 calories. It brings together healthy ingredients and hearty flavors. You get protein from the meat and beans. The cheese adds a creamy touch. You can adjust the recipe to fit your needs. More veggies can boost the vitamins. Use the [Full Recipe] for a tasty meal that warms the heart. 1. Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. 2. Add the Macaroni: Once boiling, add 1 pound of elbow macaroni. 3. Cook to Al Dente: Follow the package instructions, usually around 7 to 9 minutes. You want it firm but not hard. 4. Strain the Pasta: After cooking, pour the macaroni into a colander to drain. Set it aside. 1. Heat the Oil: In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium. 2. Add Onions: Dice 1 onion and add it to the pot. Sauté for about 2 minutes. 3. Add Garlic and Bell Pepper: Mince 2 cloves of garlic and finely dice 1 bell pepper. Add these to the pot. 4. Sauté for Flavor: Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. This step is key for great taste. 1. Brown the Meat: Increase the heat and add 1 pound of ground turkey or beef. Break it up with a spoon. 2. Cook Until Brown: Cook for about 7 to 10 minutes. Make sure the meat is fully browned and no longer pink. 3. Drain Excess Fat: If there’s too much fat, carefully drain it from the pot. 1. Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in 2 cans of kidney beans and 1 can of diced tomatoes, juices included. 2. Season the Mix: Add 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. 3. Add Broth: Pour in 2 cups of beef or vegetable broth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. 4. Simmer for Flavor: Bring to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. 1. Mix in Macaroni: Add the reserved macaroni to the pot. Stir well to combine everything. 2. Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. Cover the pot for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese. 3. Serve: Serve the chili mac hot, adding cilantro for a fresh touch. Follow these steps for a hearty meal that warms the heart. For the complete process, check the Full Recipe. To avoid mushy macaroni, cook it just until al dente. This means it should still have a firm bite. When you strain it, do not rinse the pasta. This keeps the starch on the surface. Starch helps the sauce stick better. Next, you want to ensure your meat is cooked just right. Brown it well in the pot. This adds a rich flavor to your chili mac. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Make sure there's no pink left. If there's too much fat, drain it off carefully. For spices, I suggest using chili powder and cumin. These add warmth and depth. Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor. You should also try adding garlic powder or onion powder for extra taste. Fresh herbs, like cilantro, are very important. They add a fresh burst of flavor. Toss some in right before serving for the best taste. When serving chili mac, use shallow bowls. This allows for a nice view of the food. You can sprinkle more cheese on top for a cheesy finish. Adding whole cilantro leaves as a garnish makes it look vibrant and fresh. Pairing it with tortilla chips adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with a side salad for a complete meal. Try out these tips to make your chili mac even more delightful! For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe section above. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian chili mac by skipping the meat. Use plant-based ingredients instead. Good options include mushrooms, eggplant, or tempeh. Beans and lentils work well for protein. They also add fiber and flavor. Try using black beans or chickpeas for a twist. This version remains hearty and satisfying. If you need a gluten-free chili mac, select gluten-free pasta. Look for brands that mimic the texture of elbow macaroni. You can find options made from rice or lentils. Adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavor. Gluten-free pasta may absorb more sauce, so add a bit more broth as needed. For those who love heat, consider adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper. This turns your dish into a spicy chili mac. Start with a small amount to avoid overwhelming the flavor. You can always add more if you want extra kick. Tailor the heat level to match your taste. It's all about making it your own and enjoying the thrill of spice! To store leftovers properly, let your chili mac cool down first. Then, scoop it into an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure it stays in a spot where it won’t get squished. Freezing is a great way to save chili mac for later. Once cooled, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as you can. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To keep your mac and cheese creamy, add a splash of milk or broth when reheating. Stir it well to mix the liquid with the chili mac. You can heat it in a pot on the stove or in the microwave. If using the microwave, cover it and stir every minute. This will help avoid a dry texture. Keep it covered to trap the steam. Enjoy your chili mac just like it was fresh! Chili mac lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Yes, you can make chili mac ahead of time. Cook the chili and pasta separately. Mix them together just before serving. This way, the pasta stays firm. You can also store portions in the fridge for easy meals later. Chili mac pairs well with several side dishes. Consider these options: - Cornbread - Garlic bread - A fresh green salad - Tortilla chips for crunch These sides add variety and balance to your meal. Absolutely! Adding more vegetables boosts nutrition. Good choices are: - Zucchini - Spinach - Carrots - Corn Just chop them small so they blend in well. This keeps the texture nice and tasty. Yes, chili mac is kid-friendly! To make it even better for kids: - Use mild spices - Add cheese on top Kids enjoy the creamy texture and cheesy flavor. Plus, it’s a fun way to eat pasta and chili! Chili mac is a warm, hearty dish made with simple ingredients like pasta, beans, and meat. We covered how to cook perfect macaroni, sauté flavorful veggies, and mix in spices for the best taste. Consider adding more veggies or spices to make it your own. This meal is great for families and easy to store. With these tips, you can create a delicious chili mac that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking!](https://tastednest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c576ff38-557d-4887-be1d-a1b9d2c94d9d-300x300.webp)
Chili Mac
Dive into the delicious world of Chili Mac Extravaganza! This comforting dish combines rich flavors of ground meat, hearty beans, and cheesy macaroni for a heartwarming meal everyone will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this easy recipe takes just 35 minutes to prepare. Discover the secret to a creamy and savory Chili Mac that's sure to become a family favorite. Click through for the full recipe and bring this tasty delight to your table tonight!