Description
This Vegetarian Chili Mac is a cozy, one-pot dinner that combines the hearty flavor of chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni. Loaded with beans, veggies, pasta, and spices, it’s a satisfying, budget-friendly, and kid-approved meatless meal perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 bell pepper, diced 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon smoked paprika ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce 3 cups vegetable broth 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Salt & black pepper, to taste Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic for about 5 minutes, until soft. 2. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices. 3. Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. 4. Stir in uncooked macaroni. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. 5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 6. Spoon into bowls, garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
• Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt. • Stir occasionally while pasta cooks to prevent sticking. • Adjust spice level by adding more or less chili powder and red pepper flakes. • For meal prep, store in portions and reheat with a splash of broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: vegetarian chili mac, one pot vegetarian dinner, healthy meal prep vegetarian, vegetarian recipes chili, veggie one pot meals