Delight Your Taste Buds with Hearty Chili Mac
Are you in the mood for a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make? Look no further than Chili Mac, a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the best of chili and macaroni in one delicious bowl. With tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to whip up this comforting classic!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 15-ounce can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 ½ cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, beef broth, chili powder, ground cumin, and ground cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Add Macaroni:
- Stir in the elbow macaroni and continue to simmer, uncovered, for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked to al dente and the chili has thickened slightly.
6. Serve:
- Once the macaroni is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the chili mac.
7. Melt the Cheese:
- Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the residual heat to melt the cheese.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
- Serve the Chili Mac hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and use a plant-based ground meat substitute or extra beans for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your personal preference for spiciness.
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional content of the dish by adding diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or diced zucchini to the chili mac.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto-Friendly Option:
- Substitute the elbow macaroni with cooked and drained cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
- Use full-fat cheese and beef broth to keep the dish keto-friendly, and adjust the quantities according to your macros.
Low-Carb Twist:
- Reduce the amount of kidney beans or omit them entirely to lower the carb content of the dish.
- Serve the chili mac over a bed of shredded lettuce or mixed greens for a lighter, low-carb meal option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance? A: Yes, chili mac reheats well and can be made ahead of time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze chili mac? A: Yes, chili mac freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: How can I make this dish more filling? A: To make the chili mac more filling, consider adding additional protein such as cooked bacon pieces or diced cooked chicken breast.
With its savory flavors, hearty texture, and gooey melted cheese, Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a casual get-together with friends, this dish is sure to satisfy. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a bowl of comforting goodness with this delicious Chili Mac recipe. Enjoy every bite of this timeless classic!
