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Introduction
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a warm and cozy meal that’s perfect for sharing. This One-Pot Chili Mac combines the best of chili and macaroni for a delightful, hearty dish that’s simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500 grams ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced (approximately 150 grams)
2 garlic cloves, minced (about 6 grams)
1 red bell pepper, diced (approximately 120 grams)
2 tablespoons chili powder (about 14 grams)
1 teaspoon ground cumin (about 2 grams)
1 teaspoon paprika (about 2 grams)
1 teaspoon salt (about 5 grams)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (about 1 gram)
2 cans diced tomatoes (800 grams total)
500 ml beef broth
250 grams elbow macaroni
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (400 grams)
150 grams shredded cheddar cheese
60 grams sour cream (optional)
30 grams chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Directions:
1. In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, coating everything evenly in the spices.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Stir in the elbow macaroni and kidney beans. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness, stirring occasionally.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy with your loved one!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the Spices
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, coating everything evenly in the spices.
4. Pour in the Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Incorporate the Pasta and Beans
Stir in the elbow macaroni and kidney beans. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness, stirring occasionally.
6. Melt the Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Serve the Dish
Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy with your loved one!
Notes
Prep and Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Customization Options
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Allow leftover One-Pot Valentine Chili Mac to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the chili mac. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve One-Pot Valentine Chili Mac with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad to balance the hearty flavors. For a romantic touch, consider pairing it with a light red wine. Additional toppings like sliced jalapeños or avocado can provide extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximately 1 cup):
– Calories: 520
– Protein: 32g
– Fat: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 54g
– Fiber: 5g
– Sugar: 4g
– Sodium: 800mg
Please note that nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
– Olive oil can be substituted with vegetable oil or canola oil.
– Diced tomatoes can be exchanged for crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce if preferred.
– Beef broth can be swapped with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
– Elbow macaroni can be replaced with gluten-free pasta or any preferred pasta shape.
– For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese and omit sour cream, or substitute with coconut yogurt.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
This technique involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil over medium to high heat. In the recipe, the onions, garlic, and bell pepper are sautéed until softened, enhancing their flavors.
Browning
Browning ground beef involves cooking it until it develops a rich, deep color. This adds depth to the flavor of the dish and is achieved by breaking the meat apart while it cooks.
Simmering
Simmering is cooking food gently in liquid just below boiling. In this recipe, simmering the chili mac allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta to cook evenly without becoming mushy.
Stirring
Stirring the ingredients, especially during the simmering phase, helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. Regular stirring is crucial for achieving the desired texture of the macaroni.
Melting
Melting cheese involves gently heating it until it becomes creamy and smooth. In this recipe, the shredded cheddar cheese is stirred in at the end to enhance the dish and create a comforting texture.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?
You can use other pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Just note that the pasta may absorb more liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a little broth or water when reheating.
How can I make this spicier?
To add more heat, you can include diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or increase the amount of chili powder used in the recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and replace it with a mix of beans and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
What can I serve with One-Pot Valentine Chili Mac?
It pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or cornbread for a complete meal experience.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Valentine Chili Mac is a wonderful way to celebrate love and togetherness on Valentine’s Day. It’s not only easy to prepare but also provides a comforting warmth that makes every bite special. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is perfect for sharing with your special someone, creating memorable moments around the dinner table.
Recipe Suggestion: Vegetarian Chili Mac
Swap the ground beef with a medley of beans like black beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas for a nutritious and delicious vegetarian alternative. Keep the spices and veggies for a hearty flavor.
Recipe Suggestion: Spicy Chicken Chili Mac
Use ground chicken instead of beef and add extra jalapeños for a spicy twist. This variation offers a leaner option while still being full of flavor.
Recipe Suggestion: Chili Mac with Sweet Potato
Incorporate diced sweet potatoes to add a hint of sweetness and extra nutrients. The sweetness balances the spices, creating a unique twist.
Recipe Suggestion: Cheesy Broccoli Chili Mac
Mix in steamed broccoli florets along with the elbow macaroni for added veggies. Top with extra cheese for a creamy, comfort food variant.
Recipe Suggestion: Taco Chili Mac
Spice things up by adding taco seasoning instead of chili powder, and serve with crunchy tortilla chips and sliced avocado for a fun, Tex-Mex vibe.
Recipe Suggestion: Seafood Chili Mac
For an ocean-inspired dish, toss in shrimp or crab meat and replace beef broth with seafood broth. The seafood will lend a delightful flavor to the chili mac.
