Tuesday, November 4, 2014

One Pot Chili Mac



It is "Chili Mac" weather.  We've  been getting out our sweaters and jackets, and enjoying a little fire in the evenings; both of which put me in mind of a pot of Chili Mac. It warms you and satisfies you when the nights get cool.   This comforting family meal is a one pot meal and easy to make with little mess to clean up.   My guys love it.




 Begin by browning 1 lb of ground beef in a pot or dutch oven.



 Stir in seasonings as meat browns (if you need to drain the fat off of the meat, do so before adding seasonings).

Add fresh chopped vegetables and simmer until vegetables begin to soften.

Add beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce and broth.

Stir well, and bring to a simmer over medium high heat.

Add Macaroni and stir well.


Simmer 8-10 minutes, or until Macaroni is tender, but not too soft.


 Cover with cheese. Place lid on top and simmer another minute or two….


 Until cheese is melted.

 Garnish with fresh tomatoes and green onions.





 Dish it up….



and serve.



Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small green pepper, chopped
1 onion, finely chopped 
1 Jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground beef
1 can pinto beans, drained (about 2 cups pre cooked beans)
1 can kidney beans, drained (about 2 cups pre-cooked beans)
1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14.5 oz size)
1 can tomato sauce (15 oz size) 
4 cups organic beef or chicken broth
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
12 ounces macaroni of choice (whole wheat, brown rice, Dreamfields  or what ever you like to use).
2 1/2 - 3  cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
1.    In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. 
2.    Add ground beef and brown lightly.  I use a lean
       ground beef, so no need to drain… but if you use
       a fattier ground beef, it would be good to drain it at
       this point.
3.    Add chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.  
4.    Stir and brown a little more. 
5.    Add green pepper, Jalapeño, onion, and garlic.
       Sauté until vegetables begin to soften - about 5
       minutes.
6.    Add beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and
       broth.
7.    Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
8.    Reduce heat to a simmer and add macaroni. 
9.    Cover the pot and simmer until macaroni is tender; 8
       to 10 minutes. 
10.  Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
11.  Simmer another minute or two with lid on, until
       cheese melts.
12.  Garnish with fresh tomatoes, green onions and cilantro or parsley.

Enjoy!

9 comments:

  1. I need to make some of your Chili Mac it looks delicious. Love this time of year, so enjoy making the comfort foods.

    Loved your previous post of Cozy Ways to Enjoy Fall. There is just something about fall, I so enjoy getting out the comfy sweaters, fall baking, making comfort foods, and pulling out the quilts to snuggle under.

    As always your pictures are lovely. Your posts always put a smile on my face.

    Blessings, Cheryl

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  2. Hello Pam, I loved the thought of sitting out by a fire in these cold evenings! And to enjoy a warm bowl of this hearty chili!!
    Sounds wonderful and looks delicious!
    Love, Roxy

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  3. I've never thought of putting chilli and macaroni together before but it sounds wonderful!

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  4. Hello There Sweet Friend!

    It feels like it's been forever since I've seen you! I hope you had a wonderful time on your adventure.
    All is finally getting back to normal here. Yay!

    I must say, we must think a like or something. I have been so hungry for this for the past week and here you go and make it up. My oh my! I think I better get my shopping list together, so I can get mine made up this week. Yum!

    I hope you have a splendid day!

    Hugs and Blessings,
    Amy

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  5. Okay. You've got me! This is going to be dinner tonight. Thank you for always sharing such wonderful recipes complete with amazing photos. Hugs to you! Camille

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  6. This sounds delicious, and your pictures are stunning. They always make me want to gobble up whatever food you've made. :)

    I just printed this out, and I'm making it for supper tonight! Thanks!! :)

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  7. Maybe I'm always hungry but it seems that when I visit here I am REALLY hungry :-) I'm writing this one down to make soon.

    The cold weather has picked up and soups and stews are just the ticket to keep our insides warm. Of course tonight I made smoothies. Easy on my gallbladder :-)

    ~Cinnamon

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  8. Hi Pam...Boy, does this look and sound yummy, especially with the cold forecast for mid-week through the weekend! I just may try this!

    Hugs,
    Jan

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  9. Oh my GOODNESS!! Mouth watering amazing mom!!

    Mmmm mmmm mmm!!

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