Chilli Mac
A hearty and flavorful chili mac combining spicy beef and rich cheese with comforting pasta and vegetables, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 medium green pepper, chopped
- cooking oil
- 1 cup macaroni ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Gold Medal flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 lb. beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. shortening ⓘ
- 6 cups hot water ⓘ
- 3 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 medium turnip, cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch slices ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
- Coat the beef stew meat with the flour mixture.
- Melt shortening in a large skillet over medium heat; brown the coated meat thoroughly.
- Add 6 cups of hot water; heat to boiling.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours.
- Stir in the chopped onion, chopped green pepper, kidney beans, tomato sauce, macaroni, chili powder, salt, and water.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot topped with shredded Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef in batches to prevent steaming. If you don't have kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans can be great substitutes. Adjust the chili powder to taste; for more heat, try adding cayenne pepper. This dish is a delightful take on American recipes, reminiscent of hearty meals like Texas Beef Stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chilli Mac hot, garnished with a sprinkle of additional shredded Cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve it with cornbread on the side, echoing the comfort of dishes like Lumberjack Beans.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chilli Mac can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the mixture. Stir occasionally until heated through. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chilli Mac contains roughly 1631 calories, with 35g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 123g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (573% of the Daily Value), iron (195% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (173% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2818mg per serving (123% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or simply use more beans and vegetables. You can also increase the amount of macaroni for added substance. Just keep the seasoning in mind to ensure a flavorful dish.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If the sauce is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering pot. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until thickened. You could also add more macaroni to absorb some liquid.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to swap the Cheddar cheese for your favorite cheese. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack would add a nice flavor, or even a blend of cheeses could work well. Just be mindful of the melting characteristics of the cheese you choose.
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).