Mom'S Chili Mac
A hearty, cheesy chili mac featuring ground beef, kidney beans, and macaroni, perfect for comforting family dinners with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped celery together; drain grease.
- In a soup kettle, combine the cooked meat mixture, drained kidney beans, V-8 juice, 1/3 can of water, cooked macaroni, and chili powder.
- Cook, covered, on low heat until the soup thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mac. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use vegetable broth instead of V-8 juice for a vegetarian version. If you're short on time, pre-cooked macaroni can save you a few minutes in the kitchen.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili mac with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Biscuits And Beans for a comforting dinner. Top each serving with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili mac can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm the entire batch on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Chili Mac contains roughly 736 calories, with 25g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1719mg per serving (75% 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 chili mac in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chili mac a day ahead. Just follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove or microwave until hot. The flavors may even deepen overnight.
What can I substitute for kidney beans?
If you don’t have kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans are great alternatives. They will provide a similar texture and flavor, ensuring your chili mac remains hearty and delicious.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or increase the amount of beans. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added flavor and nutrition.
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).