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Cozy Vegetarian Chili Mac Recipe Perfect for Cold Nights

vegetarian chili mac - featured image

A hearty and comforting dish combining chili and macaroni, packed with beans, vegetables, and gooey melted cheese—perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 bell peppers, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, fire-roasted preferred
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 8 ounces dry macaroni (or whole-grain/gluten-free pasta)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  3. Add the canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot, stirring to combine.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Add the drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans. Stir well and let simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  6. While the chili simmers, cook the dry macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  7. Once the chili has thickened slightly, stir in the cooked pasta. Mix well to coat the macaroni in the chili sauce.
  8. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover the pot, and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

[‘Taste the chili throughout cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed.’, ‘If the chili is too thick, add a splash of broth.’, ‘If the chili is too spicy, add a dollop of sour cream.’, ‘Cook the pasta al dente as it will finish cooking in the chili sauce.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetarian, chili mac, comfort food, one-pot meal, easy dinner, protein-packed, family-friendly, customizable