Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further! This Chili Macaroni Hamburger Helper recipe is a delicious twist on a classic, offering a hearty and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Forget complicated cooking; this easy recipe delivers big on taste without sacrificing simplicity. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both quick and satisfying, ideal for those seeking healthy meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is one of the best recipes for a quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili-style beans, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (7.25-ounce) package elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
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Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the chili base: Pour in the chili-style beans (undrained), diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Cook the macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring all the pasta is submerged in the chili mixture.
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Finish cooking: Continue to simmer until the macaroni is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve the Chili Macaroni Hamburger Helper hot. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Best Chili Macaroni:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. For a milder chili, omit it entirely. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Add vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini along with the onions.
- Use different beans: Experiment with different types of beans like kidney beans or pinto beans for a unique twist on the flavor.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a richer, creamier texture.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian crumbles for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Spicy Chili Mac: Add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Chili Mac: Increase the amount of cheddar cheese or try different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This Chili Macaroni Hamburger Helper is a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal perfect for a busy weeknight. It's a fantastic recipe for those seeking healthy meals without compromising on flavor. Enjoy!