Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Hey everyone! I love to prepare one of my favorite fusion recipes, Chilli Con Carne with Macaroni, which is basically chili with pasta in it, and it is oh so good. This is a perfect meal that consists of the taste of chili and the comfort of pasta, which makes it even more flavorful and fulfilling for dinner. If you like chili and mac and cheese, and who doesn’t, then this recipe is perfect for you. This is not just any chilli pasta, this is a game changer.
Table of contents
- Ingredients to Make My Chilli Con Carne with Macaroni
- Kitchen Equipment Needed for Chilli Con Carne with Macaroni
- Instructions for Chilli Con Carne with Macaroni
- Tips and Tricks For Chilli Con Carne with Macaroni
- Chilli Con Carne with Macaroni Serving Suggestions
- Nutritional Information
- Variations or Alternatives
- Conclusion
- FAQ Section
Ingredients to Make My Chilli Con Carne with Macaroni
Here’s a breakdown of all the ingredients you’ll need for this amazing dish.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Ground Beef | 1 pound | 80/20 blend works well, or use ground turkey. |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium | Yellow or white onion is perfect. |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | Fresh is best, but pre-minced works too. |
| Green Bell Pepper, chopped | 1 medium | Feel free to use other colors if you prefer. |
| Red Bell Pepper, chopped | 1 medium | Feel free to use other colors if you prefer. |
| Chilli powder | 2 tablespoons | Adjust to your preference for spiciness. |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon | |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon | Adds a smoky flavor. |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Optional, for extra heat. |
| Diced tomatoes, canned | 1 (14.5 oz) can | Undrained. |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | Adds richness. |
| Beef broth | 1 cup | |
| Kidney beans, canned | 1 (15 oz) can | Drained and rinsed. |
| Pinto beans, canned | 1 (15 oz) can | Drained and rinsed. |
| Elbow macaroni | 1 pound | Or any small pasta shape you like. |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups | Sharp or mild, your choice. |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Black pepper | To taste | |
| Fresh Parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons | For garnish (optional) |
Kitchen Equipment Needed for Chilli Con Carne with Macaroni
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Cheese grater (if grating your own cheese)
Instructions for Chilli Con Carne with Macaroni
- Prepare and cook the ground beef: In a large skillet or pot, put the ground beef and cook it over medium-high heat. When it is done, use a spoon to break it into smaller pieces. If there is fat left in the skillet, try to drain it.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add chopped onion and garlic and green bell pepper and red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Toss around until the vegetables are softened which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Include spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the chili on low heat: Heat the mixture until it reaches a simmer, then lower the heat to a gentle setting. Add the kidney beans and pinto beans. Cover and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or longer for a more developed flavor. Stir occasionally.
- Cook the Macaroni: While the chili simmers, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Macaroni and Chili: Add the cooked macaroni to the pot of chili. Stir well to combine, ensuring the macaroni is evenly coated with the chili sauce.
- Add Cheese: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts, making the chili macaroni creamy and delicious.
- “Season and Serve”: If needed, add salt and pepper to improve the taste. To make it look nice, add fresh parsley on top and serve it warm.
Tips and Tricks For Chilli Con Carne with Macaroni
- Spice Level: Adapt the amount of chilli powder and cayenne pepper to control the spiciness. Start with less and add more to your preference.
- Cheese Choice: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend of cheddar and pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- Slow Cooker Option: This recipe can also be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours respectively. Stir in the cooked pasta and cheese at the end.
- Make Ahead: This chili with macaroni is great for meal prep! It stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and the flavors meld even better overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Consistency: If the chili is too thick, add some extra beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Chilli Con Carne with Macaroni Serving Suggestions
This chilli macaroni is fantastic on its own, but here are some ways to make it even more special:
- Topped with Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a nice cool contrast to the spicy chili.
- With a Sprinkle of Green Onions: Fresh chopped green onions add a bit of sharpness and freshness.
- Served with a Side of Cornbread: A piece of warm cornbread is the perfect complement to this hearty dish.
- Add Avocado: Diced avocado provides a creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with tortilla chips for some added crunch.
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving, estimated)
- Calories: Approximately 600-700
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 60-70g
(Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Variations or Alternatives
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Spicy Kick: You can make your dish spicier by adding a chopped jalapeño pepper or a few drops of your favored hot sauce.
- Different Beans: Use black beans or cannellini beans instead of or in addition to kidney and pinto beans.
- Pasta Variety: Try using shells, penne, or rotini instead of elbow macaroni.
- Smoked Flavor: Add a tablespoon of smoked chipotle in adobo sauce for an even smokier flavour.
Conclusion
Chilli Con Carne with Macaroni is one of the most comforting meals that one can have, it is filling, spicy and super tasty. This dish is the perfect combination of two favorite meals, chili and pasta, which makes it even more delicious. If you are in the mood for something simple yet fulfilling for a dinner during the week or if you need to bring a delicious dish to share with others, this recipe is perfect. This recipe is very adaptable and can be adjusted to one’s preference which is why it has become a regular in my household and I encourage you to give it a try as well.
Key Takeaways:
- A delicious blend of chili and pasta.
- Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Great for a family meal or a relaxed get-together with friends.
- It’s super versatile.
FAQ Section
It does freeze well Yes, this dish freezes well! To do so, make sure that it is of cooled three down months. fully To and defrost placed it, leave in it an in airtight the container fridge and overnight stored and in ensure the that freezer it for is a maximum heated all the way through.
Absolutely! Any small pasta shape like penne, rotini, or shells will work well in this recipe.
If you want to make it spicier, you can always put in more cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeno into it. You can also put in a few drops of hot sauce to make it spicier.
Yes, you can! First, cook the ground beef in a pan until it is brown. Then, cook the vegetables in the same pan. After that, put everything into the slow cooker. Cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. At the end, mix in the cooked pasta and cheese.
Consider toppings like chopped green onions, avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of your favorite cheese.
Who Should Skip This Recipe!
Alright, my friend, let’s chat about who might want to take a detour around this particular culinary adventure. Don’t worry; there are plenty of delicious dishes out there for you! If you fall into any of these categories, you might want to consider skipping this Chilli Con Carne with Macaroni today:
- Those with Gluten Sensitivities: This recipe is packed with delicious pasta and most likely will not be gluten-free.
- People on Low-Carb Diets: Unfortunately, the pasta and beans in this recipe make it a bit of a no-go for you right now.
- Individuals on Low-Sodium Diets: Canned tomatoes, beans, and cheese can have high sodium content, and this recipe might be too much.
- Lactose Intolerance: The use of cheese could be a potential problem for individuals who are lactose intolerant.
- Vegetarians/ Vegans : While the recipe can be adapted with plant based options, the original includes ground beef, which isn’t suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Don’t feel left out! The beauty of cooking is that there’s something for everyone.
What Do You Think?
I’m so excited for you to try my Chilli Con Carne with Macaroni recipe! It’s a family favorite here, and I have a feeling it’ll become one in your home too. Once you’ve given it a go, I would love to hear all about it! Did you add any of your own special touches? Did you have any trouble with the steps? Let me know in the comments below!
If you are a fan of hearty, comforting dishes like this one, be sure to check out some of my other similar recipes right here on the blog. They are sure to bring joy to your dinner table!
My Personal Touch
I have many happy memories with this chili macaroni recipe, and I don’t know where to begin! It all started as a way to help my kids eat their chili, but now I make it for every special event. One time, my fridge was almost empty, and I had a fun idea to mix my leftover chili with pasta. I had never tried that before, but it turned out to be one of the best meals I ever made! Everyone loved it! There is something very comforting about a bowl of pasta with tasty chili and melted cheese. Even my pickiest eaters ask for more! Now, whenever I smell ground beef, cumin, and cooking tomatoes, it makes me think of those cozy nights with my family.
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