Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 pound (454g) elbow macaroni
- 1 pound (454g) ground beef
- 1 onion (medium, diced)
- 1 bell pepper (green, diced)
- 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (240ml) shredded cheddar cheese
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (Simple)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chili beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and serve.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (approx. 1 cup):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 18g
Dish Characteristics:
- Comforting and flavorful
- Hearty and satisfying
- Perfect for a casual meal or gathering
- Easy to customize with different toppings and ingredients
User Comments:
- "This recipe is a huge hit in my house! My kids love it and it's so easy to make."
- "I added a can of corn to mine for a little sweetness and it was delicious."
- "Perfect for a cold winter night. It's warm and filling."
- "I love that I can customize it with different beans, vegetables, or cheese."
- "A great way to use up leftover ground beef."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use a large skillet to prevent overflow when adding the macaroni.
- If desired, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped jalapenos for a bit of heat.
- Serve with a side of sour cream or salsa for extra flavor.
