Old Fashioned Chili-Mac
A hearty and flavorful chili-mac dish combining spicy chili with pasta and ground beef, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break spaghetti into small pieces.
- Boil the spaghetti in salted water until tender.
- Sauté ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper until cooked.
- Open the cans of chili with beans and pour into a large, heavy pot.
- Heat the chili mixture.
- Drain the water from the cooked spaghetti and add it to the chili mixture.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef mixture and add to the chili; mix well.
- Season with hot sauce and chili powder to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Old Fashioned Chili-Mac, consider adding garlic or cumin to the ground beef mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute the canned chili with homemade chili or use a vegetarian version for a meatless option. Additionally, you can swap spaghetti for elbow macaroni for a classic chili-mac texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Old Fashioned Chili-Mac with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Skilletburgers (Sloppy Joes). Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chili-Mac can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Chili-Mac contains roughly 922 calories, with 48g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (242% of the Daily Value), protein (97% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 13g 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Chili-Mac a day in advance. Just follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors will deepen, making it even more delicious!
What can I add to spice it up?
To add some heat to your Chili-Mac, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce while cooking. You can also mix in some diced green chiles for extra flavor and spice, adjusting according to your personal heat preference.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of Chili-Mac by omitting the ground beef and using canned chili without meat. You might also consider adding beans, lentils, or textured vegetable protein for protein and texture, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
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).