Chili mac is like the ultimate comfort food combo, right? Just imagine pasta, chili, and cheese all mixed together – it's a party in your mouth! Whether you love the classic version or want to spice things up with chipotle, there's a chili mac for everyone. Oh, and if you're looking for something healthier or vegetarian, don't worry, we've got those too. So, which delicious twist will you try first?
Classic Chili Mac Recipe
Chili Mac is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the robust flavors of chili with the satisfying texture of macaroni and cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this classic recipe is simple to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
With its rich blend of spices, ground meat, and creamy cheese, Chili Mac is a delicious one-pot meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
To prepare the Chili Mac, start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, elbow macaroni, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the chili has thickened. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
For the best results, consider using a combination of cheeses for added flavor, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, in addition to the cheddar.
You can also adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or even a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a kick. If you have leftovers, Chili Mac reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For a fun twist, try adding some corn or jalapeños to the mix. Enjoy your delicious and hearty Chili Mac!
Spicy Chipotle Chili Mac
Spicy Chipotle Chili Mac is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort food that combines the rich, smoky heat of chipotle peppers with hearty pasta and chili. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a little spice in their meals and can be easily customized to suit your taste.
With its creamy cheese and zesty seasoning, this Chili Mac is sure to become a family favorite, ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute before incorporating the ground beef or turkey; cook until browned.
Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
Finally, stir in the cooked macaroni and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well combined and heated through. Top with the remaining cheese and let it melt before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an even spicier kick, feel free to add extra chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with a plant-based protein or additional beans. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great meal prep option, and it also freezes well for those busy nights when you need a quick meal.
Vegetarian Chili Mac
Vegetarian Chili Mac is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines the comforting flavors of macaroni and cheese with the rich, spiced goodness of chili, all while keeping it meat-free. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe isn't only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber from the beans and vegetables.
With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll have a flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until they're translucent.
Add the bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes until softened. Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the chili mixture, stirring to combine.
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, cover the pot, and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
Extra Tips:
Feel free to customize your Vegetarian Chili Mac by adding in your favorite vegetables, such as corn or zucchini, or swapping out the beans for those you prefer.
You can also adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper if you like it hot. This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat leftovers on the stove or in the microwave, and consider topping each serving with additional cheese, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
Cheesy Chili Mac With Ground Turkey
Cheesy Chili Mac with Ground Turkey is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of chili and macaroni in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner as it's quick to prepare and packed with protein from the ground turkey.
The addition of cheese makes it irresistibly delicious, and it can easily be customized with your favorite spices or vegetables. Serve it up with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, or additional cheese
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion. Sauté until soft, then add the minced garlic and ground turkey, cooking until the turkey is browned and fully cooked.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Once simmering, stir in the elbow macaroni, cover the pot, and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Extra Tips:
For an extra kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chili mixture.
You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative. If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk along with the cheese.
This dish is great for leftovers, so make a large batch and enjoy it for lunch the next day!
Healthy Quinoa Chili Mac
Healthy Quinoa Chili Mac is a nutritious twist on the classic comfort food that brings together the heartiness of chili and the creamy goodness of macaroni. Packed with protein from quinoa and loaded with vegetables, this dish isn't only delicious but also guilt-free.
Whether you're preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping your health goals in mind.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups whole grain elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
To prepare the Healthy Quinoa Chili Mac, start by cooking the quinoa in a medium saucepan with the vegetable broth; bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion and garlic over medium heat until soft. Add the bell pepper, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and salt and pepper. Stir in the cooked quinoa and mix well.
In a separate pot, cook the whole grain elbow macaroni according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and add to the quinoa mixture. If desired, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and combined. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
When cooking Healthy Quinoa Chili Mac, feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add more vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, to increase the nutritional value, or adjust the spices to make it spicier or milder.
For a creamier version, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or avocado on top before serving. Additionally, this dish can be easily stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.