Try a Classic Comfort Meal This Week: Beef and Chili Mac [Recipe]

We all need comfort, and a homemade dinner now and then. But it’s particularly hard to find the time to cook. Don’t worry about planning too much, or going to the grocery store, this beef and chili mac only requires things you already have in your pantry.

Make a Hearty, Tasty Dinner in Minutes with this Beef and Chili Mac

First, let’s discuss the meat and beans!

As with any beef chili, for this recipe, you need ground beef. However, if that isn’t an option at the moment, don’t worry, you can still make a tasty replacement.

We suggest you use that leftover meat, whether poultry or pork, and finely shred it.

Canned chicken or ham works well too, and even bacon if you have it, simply dice it into small pieces. 

If you don’t have any meat, then it’s a good idea to use more beans. This recipe calls for pinto beans, but any kind works.

You can use black beans, navy beans, cannellini, or even chickpeas if that’s all you have.

Remember that the more beans you use, the more protein your dish will have. Mix them, but always rinse them first.

It’s time for seasoning and pasta!

Now that the meat and beans are taken care of, let’s talk about the seasoning, which is a key part of the flavor in chili.

You can use onion, garlic powder, and tomato paste. If, though, you don’t have any onion or garlic powder, add cumin, paprika, oregano, or thyme.

As for the tomato paste, it is what gives your chili its richness; so if you don’t have any, substitute it for ketchup and a bit of water, or drained diced tomatoes.

Elbow macaroni is traditional in mac, but if you only have egg noodles or other types of pasta, use it. All that matters is that it is cooked al dente.

Finally, you’re all set and ready to make a hearty home-cooked meal that will surely become a family favorite!

Beef and Chili Mac

Course: Dinner

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 2 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tbsp onion powder

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 can 15 oz (375 g) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 can 3 oz (75 g) tomato paste

• 2 cups (256 g) uncooked elbow macaroni

Directions

• To start, cook the ground beef until brown in a skillet over medium heat. You can use a spoon to break it up. Once it is cooked, drain the excess oil and add all the seasonings.
• Next, stir in the beans and tomato paste. Then cook the elbow macaroni according to package direction.
• Drain the cooked macaroni and add it to the beef mixture. Allow it to cook while stirring gently.
• Serve warm, enjoy.