Chilli Mac(If You Like Chilli, You'Ll Love Chilli Mac.)
A hearty chili mac combining spicy chili flavors with comforting macaroni, perfect for fans of bold tastes and family dinners. Easy to make and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 box macaroni ⓘ
- 2 cans red beans ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chili mix ⓘ
- 3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 pound hamburger ⓘ
- 2 pounds lean pork ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup flour
- 1 stick butter ⓘ
- 3 cups celery, diced
- 2 (16 oz.) cans bean sprouts ⓘ
- 1 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a pan, boil the pork until tender; drain and dice.
- Place the diced pork in a large skillet or pan.
- Add chopped onions, mushrooms, salt, pepper, diced celery, bean sprouts, and soy sauce to the skillet.
- Pour in water to cover the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often.
- Add a thickening mixture made from melted butter and flour, mixed well.
- Cook for 2 minutes after adding the thickening.
- Serve the chili mixture on top of cooked rice and garnish with chow mein noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mix. You can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger and pork for a leaner option. If you're short on time, using canned chili instead of the homemade mix can save you prep time. Additionally, feel free to use any type of pasta instead of macaroni.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili mac over a bed of fluffy rice and top with crunchy chow mein noodles for added texture. Pair it with a refreshing side like Cauliflower-Bacon Salad for a balanced meal. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with shredded cheese or fresh herbs to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the mixture. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chilli Mac(If You Like Chilli, You'Ll Love Chilli Mac.) contains roughly 1367 calories, with 60g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (120% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (102% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the hamburger and pork with plant-based proteins like lentils or textured vegetable protein. Additionally, replace the beef broth with vegetable broth to maintain the flavor profile while keeping it meat-free.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes as a substitute. For a richer flavor, consider adding a bit of tomato paste along with water to achieve the desired consistency.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more or less chili mix according to your preference. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount or use a mild chili seasoning. For a spicier version, try incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers into the mix.
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).