Chili Mac ‘n Cheese

This chili mac ‘n cheese is a deliciously simple way to cook dinner since it’s a one pot meal – everything is cooked in one skillet – and that means less dishes!! I am always in search of ground beef recipes, so when I thought to make a chili-style recipe and include the pasta for a complete meal, I knew I would have a hit with my family! It is a much healthier version of store-bought hamburger helper and contains just a handful of ingredients.

The recipe is versatile and easily customizable! You can also make this vegetarian or vegan by omitting the ground meat and substituting it for your favorite vegetarian substitute or add a variety of mushrooms, and even extra vegetables. You can also substitute the ground meat for bison, turkey, pork or even wild game.

Let’s get started!

First off, I am browning ground beef, sprinkled with salt, pepper and 1/2 tsp chili powder. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.

Once beef is browned, add onion.

Cook until onion is tender and lightly browned.

Add pasta of choice, baked beans, water and tomato sauce. You can also use pasta sauce if you like.

Cook, covered, for 12 minutes or until pasta is cooked.

Add chopped bell pepper, tomato and dried minced garlic, though you can also add fresh garlic.

Once bell peppers are tender, add kidney beans or other beans of your choice, paprika and remaining chili powder. You can also omit the beans.

Cook 5 minutes longer to be sure beans have heated through. Turn burner off.

Add chopped spinach and stir until wilted.

Sprinkle with shredded cheese. We used old cheddar which gives it a great flavor. Stir and add another sprinkle of cheese. Cheese will melt quickly.

This is a delicious meal in itself and we served it with salad.

Chili Mac ‘n Cheese

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper – I use fresh cracked pepper
1-1/2 cups pasta – we used macaroni
1 – 398ml can baked beans in tomato sauce
2 cups water
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tomato, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 tsp minced garlic or 1-2 cloves fresh garlic
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp chili powder
1 cup kidney beans, or beans of choice
2 cups chopped spinach
2/3 cup shredded cheese

Brown ground beef (or meat of choice) with 1/2 tsp chili powder, sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add onion and cook until tender. Add remaining salt and pepper, pasta, beans, water and tomato sauce. Cover and cook 12 minutes. Add tomato and green pepper. You can also add other veggies at this time. Add remaining chili powder and another sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook until peppers are tender, about 5 minutes. Add kidney beans and cook another 5 minutes, uncovered, or until any excess liquid is gone. Add spinach and stir until wilted. Add half the cheese, stir then add remaining cheese. Serve with your favorite salad.

enjoy from Our City Homestead to yours