Chili Macaroni Recipe

"My daughter made this for me and I was quite impressed as she was just learning to cook at the time. Very easy and tasty."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Sauté meat, onions and peppers in large saucepan until meat is no longer pink.

Step 2

Stir in remaining ingredients, except for cheese.

Step 3

Bring to a boil, cover and simmer 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is cooked.

Step 4

Serve hot. Sprinkle each serving with cheese, if desired.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.

Tips for selecting ingredients

When buying ground beef, look for a package with a bright red color and no signs of gray or brown discoloration.
For a milder flavor, use a mild banana pepper or omit it altogether.

Ingredient substitutions

Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option. The benefit of this substitution is that it provides a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Substitute black beans for kidney beans for a different flavor. The benefit of this substitution is that it adds a unique flavor to the dish and can be a great way to switch up the flavors.

Variations

Vegetarian Chili Macaroni Replace the ground beef with an equal amount of crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the macaroni. Use two cans of beans of your choice instead of the ground beef and kidney beans. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.

Vegetarian Chili Macaroni with Sweet Potatoes Replace the ground beef with an equal amount of crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the macaroni. Use two cans of beans of your choice instead of the ground beef and kidney beans. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Also, add 1 diced sweet potato to the chili mixture and cook until tender.

Serve with

RECOMMENDED DISH: Mexican Corn Salad: A light and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with Chili Macaroni. This salad is made with corn, tomatoes, red onion, jalapenos, and a lime vinaigrette. The sweetness of the corn and tomatoes balances out the spice of the chili powder, and the jalapenos add a nice kick.

RECOMMENDED DISH: Roasted Sweet Potatoes: A delicious and healthy side dish that complements the Mexican Corn Salad and Chili Macaroni. Roasted sweet potatoes are full of flavor and provide a nice crunch to the meal. They are tossed in olive oil, garlic, and chili powder for an added kick. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs nicely with the bold flavors of the other dishes.

FAQ

Q: What can I use instead of ground beef?

A: You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even crumbled tofu as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.

Q: How do I make a vegan version of this recipe?

A: To make a vegan version of this recipe, replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu, and use vegan-friendly substitutes for any other animal-based ingredients. You can also add additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to add more flavor and texture.

Fun facts:

Fun Fact 1: Chili Macaroni is said to have been invented in the late 1800s in the American Southwest. It is believed to have been originally served by cowboys, who would make the dish with beef, macaroni and chili powder.

Fun Fact 2: Chili Macaroni was popularized in the early 1900s by celebrity chef Fannie Farmer. She included the recipe in her famous cookbook, The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book, which was published in 1896.