Chili Macaroni
A hearty and cheesy pasta dish with chili, perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Combines spicy, creamy, and savory flavors that appeal to all chili lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and drain the elbow macaroni as directed on the package.
- Stir in the jar of Cheez Whiz and can of chili without beans over medium heat until thoroughly heated.
- Garnish with optional sour cream, sliced pitted olives, and chopped bell peppers if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream when mixing in the Cheez Whiz. If you're looking for a bit more heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute the Cheez Whiz with any cheese sauce or a homemade cheese blend for different flavors. This dish is a great way to use up leftover cheese from other recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chili Macaroni with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. For added flavor and texture, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and sliced olives. This hearty dish pairs beautifully with Simple Cherry Squares for dessert, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary to restore creaminess. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Macaroni contains roughly 181 calories, with 10g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute it with any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions of the pasta you choose.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegetarian by ensuring the chili you use doesn't contain meat. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or corn to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Chili Macaroni ahead of time. Just follow the recipe and store it in the fridge before baking. When you're ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven until heated through.
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).