High Protein Chili Mac

Elevate your comfort food game with this hearty and satisfying High Protein Chili Mac! Packed with lean ground beef or turkey, two types of hearty beans, and whole-grain elbow macaroni, this one-pot wonder boasts rich, smoky spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika for robust flavor. Simmered in a savory tomato broth and finished with melted cheddar cheese, this protein-packed meal is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week. Quick to prepare in just 50 minutes and customizable with optional toppings like fresh cilantro and green onions, this High Protein Chili Mac combines the best of both worlds—chili and macaroni—in one wholesome, delicious dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 15 ounces cooked kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
• 8 ounces whole-grain elbow macaroni
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup sliced green onions (optional)
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Step 2

Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

Step 3

Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.

Step 4

Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir well to combine the ingredients.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6

While the chili is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 7

After the chili has simmered for 15 minutes, stir in the cooked macaroni. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

Step 8

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.

Step 9

Serve the Chili Mac hot, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3174.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3892.5

Total Fat 156.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 63.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.8g
Cholesterol 492.2mg	0%
Sodium 4851.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 401.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 90.2g	0%
Total Sugars 34.9g
Protein 248.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1401.6mg	0%
Iron 46.6mg	0%
Potassium 6341.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.1%

Protein: 24.8%

Carbs: 40.1%