Monday, February 1, 2016

Chilly Night Chili Mac

On a cold winter night, there's nothing quite as satisfying as a supper of hearty comfort food -- chili for spice, pasta for energy and cheese for gratification, all cooked up in a cozy warm kitchen.

Here's a quick and easy recipe that's a great winter favorite at our house.

Ingredients: 
2-3 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 15.5 oz. can chili beans or red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 4.5 oz. can chopped green chile peppers
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Cup beef stock
Pasta of choice: spaghetti, linguine or fettucini (We like a colorful mix of spinach, tomato and whole wheat linguine.)
Shredded cheese: cheddar and/or jack

Optional Garnishes: 
Sour cream
Chopped scallions
Fresh cilantro, coarsely snipped
Sliced jalapeños



In a large skillet sautée onion and ground beef in olive oil over medium heat until beef is fully cooked (no pink!).

Stir in chili beans, green chiles, cumin and chili powder.



Add stock, reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by half. 

While chili simmers, cook pasta to al dente, drain and keep warm.



To serve: 
Spoon chili over pasta and top with cheese. Microwave until cheese is melted -- about 30-40 seconds.



Garnish with sour cream, scallions, cilantro and/or jalapeños.




Serve hot, with a side dish of "Blue Chip GuacaMollie" (recipe coming soon).



Serves 4-6, depending on appetites. 


Keep leftovers in refrigerator to reheat later. The chili is even tastier after flavors have merged overnight. 

11 comments :

capitalcitycrafts said...

Oh this looks super, can't wait to try it! Thanks for sharing!

Michele said...

Comfort foods are the best, can't have the hot stuff but my daughter and bf love it, thanks for sharing!!!

Gemstones on My Mind said...

Not only does it look yummy, but beautiful too! Mollie, I'm not surprised that you are quite a chef in addition to your other many talents.

Gaiane said...

Yum! Looks delish! Thank you for sharing!

Jennifer said...

Yummy! I bet it smells delicious!

SendingLoveGallery said...

looks delicious!

Beadsme said...

This looks so delicious. Thanks Mollie.

Brooke said...

I love a good chili, going to have to try this. Thank you!

Cher said...

Looks so yummy... now I'm hungry, lol

jemsbyjb said...

This looks wonderful. Haven't made chili in awhile so I think it's time to give this one a try.

LoveStoneArts said...

Great dish!! This is not something I grew up with so I'll have to give it a try. Reminds me of how surprised I was to learn that Hawaiians always eat their chili over rice. I can scarcely eat chili without wishing it was on a bed of sticky Cal Rose rice!!