Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Chili Macaroni

I have a paper due on the 10th of February, and it is an important paper that will determine if I will be a PhD candidate or not. Therefore, I will not be as active on the blog for a few weeks, but I will still post regularly. I will just be a bit more terse. (PLEASE PRAY FOR ME, OR SEND GOOD KARMA MY WAY!)
Nevertheless, I'm glad I have been taking advantage of the winter break by making a lot of dishes that I had always wanted to make like tamales, a rosca de reyes, and bagels. I now want to make churros, pretzels, and perfect my puff pastry-making skills. I will worry about all of that later, though.

Anyway, I made this chili macaroni yesterday, and it is beyond delicious. That little puny bowl of macaroni you see just teased and prodded my tastebuds haha.
I've been trying to use my cookbook more lately, so I got this recipe from my Betty Crocker cookbook. The feminist in me doesn't like the title of the cookbook, but it does have a lot of good recipes and tips in it. Below the recipe, I have also included a Southwestern variation of this dish. I also added some optional additions in italics that were not mentioned in the cookbook. You can make this a vegetarian meal easily by adding more beans or tofu. Enjoy!
Want some?

Chili Macaroni


1 cup (3.5 oz) uncooked elbow macaroni (I would add 1/2 - 1 cup if you like a more even ratio of pasta)
1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey, ground chicken, tofu, or nothing at all)
1 med onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (15-16 ounces) kidney beans, drained (use another can if not using meat)
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained (or whole tomatoes, cut up)
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1-2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional; my addition)
2 slices of Velveeta (optional; my addition)
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese (I shredded it myself from block cheese. YUM!)

Cook macaroni as directed on package. While macaroni is cooking, cook beef, onion, and garlic in 4-quart saucepan or Dutch oven over med-high heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown. Drain (I didn't).

Drain macaroni, and add it to the meat. Add in the remaining ingredients with the exception of the cheese (I actually added two slices of Velveeta to the sauce itself). heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Then, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Sprinkle mixture with cheese, or add cheese to individual bowls.
Southwestern Chili Macaroni: Use black beans instead of kidney beans, rinsed and drained. Add shredded Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar. Add 1 can of chopped green chiles. You could also add cilantro on top of individual servings.

14 comments:

  1. So ironic...I was going to make chili-mac tonight for dinner but my ground beef wasn't fully thawed yet so we're having it for dinner tomorrow. And now I can't wait. My mouth will be watering til I get my lips on some :-)

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  2. I've never made chili mac before - it looks so delicious. Good luck with your paper.

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  3. Hi, Memoria

    Somehow I cut my thumb (probably trying to cook a little something :o), and so it is a little hard to type, but I am going to try to type long enough to tell you how much I love your cute little photos of this tasty-looking chili mac recipe! You know I love cheese and the generous amount you have sprinkled on top of the chili adds a delightful and mouthwatering touch!

    Gotta go, I am having to correct just about every word I type!

    Love you, and keep working hard on that paper--I will be praying for your success!

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  4. Looks like good comfort food to me. Good luck on your paper.

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  5. Super good luck on your paper!! A phd is such an incredible endeavor and I am confident that you will be successful. This recipe looks great, and thanks so much for the vegetarian version! Love it! Good luck again, from one phd hopeful to another. :)

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  6. With lovely, comfortin eats like this, I'm sure you'll fuel just perfectly for your paper! Best of luck!!

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  7. Dare I admit that one of my fave things in the world as a kid was "Hamburger Helper's'' Chile Mac 'n' Cheese? Oh my, it was to die for. I haven' eaten it in years. Thanks for allowing me to remember that comforting taste.

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  8. Looks yum. It is well with your paper......take care

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  9. Looks yummy. All the best with your paper.

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  10. I adore chili mac this sounds like a great version.. despite the betty crocker name you despise:)

    Nice addition with the velveeta!

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  11. Oh my goodness, how can I not going to like your chili macaroni. It looks so devine!

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  12. This looks great!! SUch pretty pictures!

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  13. Memoria, I just don't understand why my blogroll did not update all your posts! I was wondering why you didn't update for so long and came over to check. Lo and behold, you've made so many new, exciting stuff. But most importantly, I am keeping my fingers tightly crossed for you. I hope you get the PhD that you so deserve.

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