Chili Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
307 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Chili Mac and Cheese
Description
This Chili Mac and Cheese recipe starts by sautéing aromatic onions, garlic, peppers, and mushrooms to tenderize and release flavor. Black and red kidney beans along with corn contribute hearty texture and protein. Spices including smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and oregano are added with diced tomatoes and tomato paste to form a savory chili base.
After combining the sautéed mixture with pasta and broth, the dish simmers until pasta is cooked and infused with the spicy tomato flavors. The dish has a thick consistency with a mix of tender pasta, soft vegetables, and beans throughout. It carries smoky, mildly spicy chili notes with earthiness from cumin and oregano.
Served in bowls, toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese, cilantro, or avocado can customize the flavor and texture contrast. This dish works well as a filling main course or a comforting family meal. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for several days.
Ingredients
- 7 oz dried pasta (I used gluten-free corn macaroni) or whole wheat
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 sweet onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 3 Cups button mushrooms chopped
- 1 oz black beans rinsed and drained, canned
- 1 OZ red kidney beans rinsed and drained, can
- 1 Cup corn frozen
- 1 oz tomato paste canned
- 1 oz diced tomatoes canned
- 1 Tsp smoked paprika
- ½ Tsp chili powder
- 1 Tsp cumin ground
- 1 ½ Tsp oregano dried
- 2 Cups broth of choice
- sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- cheddar cheese grated, freshly chopped, sliced as noted
- yogurt
- sour cream
- cilantro
- green onions
- avocado
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in beans, diced tomatoes, corn and spices and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the pasta, tomato paste, and broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked.
- Pour into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Nutritional info is approximate and varies by ingredients used.
- Any pasta type can be substituted according to preference.
- Adding ground beef increases protein and changes texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 307 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 307kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 60g | 20% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 498mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 638mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1530IU | 31% |
| Vitamin C | 46.4mg | 52% |
| Calcium | 47mg | 5% |
| Iron | 3.4mg | 19% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.