Willie'S Homemade Chili Mac
A hearty, cheesy chili mac with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and beans, perfect for satisfying family dinners with bold flavors and comforting warmth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Brush a large skillet with a small amount of fat.
- Add ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet.
- Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
- Add the cooked macaroni, a cup of water, chili powder, salt, sugar, and beans to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Place over low heat until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If ground beef isn't your preference, ground turkey or plant-based meat can be used as a substitute. To enhance flavor, sauté the onions until they are caramelized before adding the beef. For a creamier texture, mix in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili mac with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Shauna'S Wild Rice Bake for added nutrition. Consider topping each serving with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. Enjoy with your favorite hot sauce for an added kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in 30-second intervals or warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Willie'S Homemade Chili Mac contains roughly 328 calories, with 19g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1620mg per serving (70% 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 use a different type of pasta for this chili mac?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type, as it may vary slightly from elbow macaroni.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or by using lentils. Additionally, ensure that the beans used are vegetarian-friendly, and you can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
How can I make this chili mac spicier?
To amp up the heat, consider increasing the amount of chili powder or adding diced fresh chilies. You might also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving or mix in a few tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
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).