Beefy Chili Mac(30 Minutes)
A hearty and cheesy beef chili mac with tender beef, seasoned tomatoes, and pasta, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut beef steaks lengthwise into 1-inch strips, then crosswise into 1-inch pieces.
- Spray a Dutch oven with vegetable cooking spray.
- Heat the Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add beef and chopped onion to the pan; cook and stir for 3 minutes.
- Add seasoned chunky tomatoes to the pan and bring to a simmer.
- Cook wagon wheel pasta in boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Stir cooked pasta into the beef mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and let melt before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked beef or ground beef instead of cubed steaks. You can substitute wagon wheel pasta with any other pasta shape you have on hand. Adding beans or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a spicier chili, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. This dish is reminiscent of comforting American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Beefy Chili Mac with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or some sliced green onions on top can add extra flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with other hearty meals like Rich Brown Beef Stew, making it perfect for chilly evenings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to avoid drying out and heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; simply thaw and reheat when ready to serve.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beefy Chili Mac(30 Minutes) contains roughly 1645 calories, with 54g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 139g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (109% of the Daily Value), calcium (53% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1329mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef instead of cubed steaks?
Yes, ground beef is a great alternative and cooks faster. Just brown it in the Dutch oven with the onions before adding the tomatoes. This will create a rich flavor base for your chili mac.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the beef with black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or corn for added texture and nutrition.
What can I do if I want more sauce?
If you prefer a saucier dish, add an extra can of seasoned chunky tomatoes or a cup of beef broth. You can also stir in some tomato sauce or paste for a thicker consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).