This High Protein Chili Mac is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s packed with protein and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Combining ground meat, beans, and pasta, this one-pot wonder is not only delicious but also filling and nutritious. Ideal for meal prep, it’s a great way to fuel up on protein while enjoying a classic comfort food.
📋 Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey 🍖
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🛢️
- 1 medium onion, diced 🧅
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (whole wheat or protein-enriched) 🍝
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed 🫘
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed 🫘
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth 🍲
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste 🍅
- 1 tablespoon chili powder 🌶️
- 1 teaspoon cumin 🌿
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 🌶️
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream (optional) 🥄
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
📝 Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
- Heat the oil:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the beef:
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) and diced onion to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add the Ingredients:
- Mix in spices:
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat with the spices.
- Add liquids and pasta:
- Add the elbow macaroni, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), broth, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
3. Cook the Chili Mac:
- Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Add the Cheese:
- Stir in cheese:
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the mixture is creamy.
5. Serve:
- Garnish and serve:
- Spoon the High Protein Chili Mac into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 20 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6 servings
🔥 Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal per serving
💪 Protein: Approximately 25-30g per serving
This High Protein Chili Mac is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s high in protein thanks to the combination of lean meat, beans, and protein-rich pasta. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a filling, muscle-fueling meal without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy! 🌶️🫘🍝