Chili Mac

I went through a spat where I ate chili mac almost everyday.  Given I was 16, broke as can be, and living on my own.  It was easy enough and cheap enough so I made it quite often.  As I have grown I have built on my basic can of chili, cheese, and noodles recipe to something a bit more edible ;)  It is still a great affordable recipe to have in your recipe box and it is easy to make for those busy nights.  It can even be made ahead of time and just thrown in the oven when ready to eat.

Chili Mac
8 oz elbow macaroni, prepare as directed on box for al dente
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 green pepper, seeded and diced
1 heaping TBS minced garlic
3 TBS chili powder
2 TBS ground cumin
1 TBS Worcestershire sauce
28 oz crushed tomatoes
14 oz diced tomatoes
1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 TBS brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
12 oz shredded cheese
chopped scallions, to top

• In a large skillet brown ground beef and drain off fat
• Add 1 TBS of oil to the skillet and add onions, green pepper, garlic, chili powder, and cumin
• Cook until vegetables are tender, about 7 minutes
• Add the worcestershire sauce, crushed tomatoes, diced, tomatoes, kidney beans, brown sugar, and cooked ground beef to the mixture
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes stirring occasionally
• Stir in cooked pasta, salt, and pepper
• Pour into a 9x13 baking dish and sprinkle with cheese (at this point you can cover and place in the fridge to make later)
• Bake uncovered for 15 minutes in a preheated 400 degree oven or until cheese is melted and browned
• Garnish each bowl with chopped scallions

Easy and delicious.  So much better than my old school chili mac ;)  And most items you will have in your cupboard so it is a good budget friendly meal too.  Definitely try this one and I promise you will love it!

Below is the nutritional value per serving.  This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 396 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories 693 Calories from Fat 192

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 21.3g 33%

Saturated Fat 11.3g 57%

Trans Fat 0.0g

Cholesterol 120mg 40%

Sodium 865mg 36%

Total Carbohydrates 70.3g 23%

Dietary Fiber 14.4g 58%

Sugars 11.6g

Protein 55.9g

Vitamin A 55% • Vitamin C 52% Calcium 45% • Iron 60%

Nutrition Grade A

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points

• High in phosphorus
• High in selenium