Description
Chili Mac combines tender elbow macaroni with zesty chili flavors and melted cheddar cheese for a heartwarming dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) canned chili beans (kidney or black beans)
- 1 can (15 oz) canned tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Mix in Seasonings: Add chili powder and cumin to the meat in the skillet, stirring well to coat evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the canned chili beans and tomato sauce; stir everything together. Let it simmer for about five minutes to meld flavors.
- Incorporate Pasta: Add cooked macaroni into your skillet mixture and stir gently until all ingredients are combined.
- Cheese It Up: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of your Chili Mac mixture. Cover with a lid for about three minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Swap ground beef for chicken or use plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. Add veggies like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat with a splash of water for creaminess.