Tiffany Haney
One-pot chili pasta is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. It is a convenient meal for busy weeknights, requiring only one pot and simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. This versatile recipe allows for customization with different types of meat, beans, and pasta shapes. It can be made spicy by adding jalapenos or cayenne pepper, and it pairs well with cornbread or a fresh side salad. The key to this recipe is cooking the pasta directly in the chili, creating a rich and savory dish that is sure to satisfy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 30 minutes |
| Number of dishes | One pot |
| Main ingredients | Beef, vegetables, beans, seasonings, pasta, cheese |
| Beef type | Lean ground beef |
| Vegetable type | Onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes |
| Bean type | Red kidney beans, light red kidney beans |
| Seasonings | Chili powder, white granulated sugar, oregano, parsley, season salt, black pepper |
| Pasta type | Elbow macaroni |
| Cheese type | Shredded cheddar cheese |
| Spiciness | Add jalapeno for extra spice |
| Leftovers | Refrigerate for 3-4 days |
| Serving suggestions | Green chile cornbread or honey cornbread muffins |
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Ingredients
One-pot chili pasta is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. It is a combination of pasta and ground beef chili in a rich tomato sauce. Here is a detailed list of ingredients you will need to create this delicious dish:
Meat and Vegetables:
- Ground beef—opt for lean ground beef with a ratio of 92% lean and 8% fat to reduce the dish's overall greasiness and oiliness.
- Onion—dice a yellow onion into small pieces to add a savory base to your chili.
- Garlic—mince or finely chop a few garlic cloves to enhance the flavor of your dish.
Beans and Vegetables:
- Beans—use a combination of red kidney beans and light red kidney beans, or experiment with black beans and pinto beans. Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the pot.
- Tomatoes—use canned diced tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes, or a combination of both, for a rich, tangy flavor. You can also add passata or tomato paste for extra thickness and flavor.
- Corn—add a cup of frozen corn kernels for a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Green Chiles—include these for a tangy kick and a pop of color.
Pasta and Broth:
- Pasta—elbow macaroni is a popular choice, but any short-cut tubular pasta will work. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Broth—beef broth or chicken broth will add depth of flavor and help cook the pasta.
Spices and Seasonings:
- Chili powder—a key ingredient to add a kick of spice and warmth to your chili. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
- Salt and pepper—season to taste.
- Sugar—a small amount of white granulated sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Oregano—dried oregano adds an earthy, herbal flavor.
- Parsley—fresh or dried parsley brings a bright, fresh flavor.
- Paprika—smoked paprika adds a smoky depth of flavor.
- Cumin—a small amount of ground cumin enhances the warmth of the dish.
- Cayenne pepper—if you like it spicy, cayenne pepper or other hot chili powders can be added.
- Thyme and marjoram—these herbs add a subtle, unique flavor.
- Mustard powder—a small amount can add a tangy kick.
Cheese:
Shredded cheese—cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack or mozzarella. Avoid stringy varieties and stir the cheese into the chili until melted and creamy.
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Cooking the beef
To cook the beef for your one-pot chili pasta, start by heating a large pot over medium-low heat and adding olive oil. Dice a yellow onion and mince some garlic cloves, then add them to the pot with salt and pepper. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
Next, add your ground beef to the pot. Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon and continue to cook, stirring often, until the beef is browned. This should take around 6 to 8 minutes. If you are using high-fat ground beef, you may want to drain off the excess fat at this point.
Now it's time to add the spices. Add flour, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and oregano to the pot and continue to cook and stir for about two minutes, allowing the flour and spices to coat the meat and the bottom of the pot. Be careful not to let it burn.
At this point, you can add the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring well to combine and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Place a lid on the pot and turn the heat up to medium-high. Once the broth is boiling, give it a quick stir, then turn the heat down to medium-low and replace the lid.
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Adding vegetables
When it comes to adding vegetables to your one-pot chili pasta, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Onion and Garlic
Start by dicing one onion and mincing some garlic cloves. Cook them in a large pot with olive oil over medium heat. Keep stirring until the onions become soft and transparent, which should take around 1-5 minutes.
Tomatoes
Canned or fresh diced tomatoes can be added to your chili pasta. If using canned tomatoes, you may need to add a little extra water and spices to adjust the consistency and flavor.
Beans
Black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans are great additions to your chili pasta. You can use canned beans or cook them yourself. If using canned beans, remember to drain and rinse them before adding them to your pot.
Spicy Vegetables
If you like your food spicy, you can add finely diced jalapenos, green chiles, or cayenne pepper. Just be sure to remove the seeds from the jalapenos before adding them to your dish.
Other Vegetables
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini, corn kernels, or bell peppers. You can also add spices and herbs like thyme, marjoram, mustard powder, paprika, or cumin to enhance the flavor of your chili pasta.
Remember, the beauty of one-pot chili pasta is its versatility, so don't be afraid to get creative and adjust the recipe to your taste preferences.
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Seasoning
Chilli Powder: This is the star seasoning of the show, adding a spicy kick to your pasta. The amount of chilli powder you use will depend on your preference for spice. If you like it extra spicy, you can also add cayenne pepper or use pure chilli powder instead of the US blend, which has other ingredients and is less hot.
Salt and Pepper: Seasoning with salt and pepper is a classic way to enhance the natural flavours of the dish. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
Oregano: Dried oregano adds a subtle earthy and slightly bitter flavour to the pasta. It pairs well with the tomatoes and other seasonings.
Parsley: Parsley is a fresh herb that adds a bright, slightly peppery flavour. It is commonly used to enhance the other ingredients in the dish without overwhelming them.
Sugar: A small amount of white granulated sugar can be added to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and create a well-rounded flavour profile.
Other seasonings you can experiment with include garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, marjoram, mustard powder, and cumin. If you want to add more heat, you can include finely diced jalapenos, but be sure to remove the seeds.
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Serving suggestions
One-pot chili pasta is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal. It is a convenient dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
As a Standalone Dish
The one-pot chili pasta is a meal in itself and can be enjoyed as is. The combination of pasta, beef, beans, vegetables, and cheese creates a satisfying and complete dish that doesn't necessarily need any sides. This option is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
With Bread
For a more filling meal, serve the chili pasta with bread. Cornbread, including green chile cornbread or honey cornbread muffins, pairs well with the dish. The bread can be used to soak up the flavorful sauce and balance the richness of the chili.
With a Fresh Salad
If you want a lighter side option, consider serving the chili pasta with a fresh and light salad. Cowboy Caviar, Sweet Corn Salsa, or Cumin Lime Coleslaw can add a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta dish. These salads provide a crunchy and tangy complement to the meal.
Over Rice or Nachos
For a heartier meal, use the one-pot chili pasta as a topping. Serve it over rice or use it as a nacho topping. The chili pasta can be a versatile base for creating different meals, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to these dishes.
With Sour Cream and Green Onions
To enhance the flavor and presentation of the dish, consider serving the one-pot chili pasta with some sour cream and sliced green onions on top. These additions provide a creamy and tangy contrast to the spicy and savory notes of the chili pasta.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need beef, onion, garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, seasonings, pasta, and cheese.
Lean ground beef is recommended to reduce the amount of fat and oil in the dish.
Elbow macaroni or any other type of short, tubed pasta is recommended.
It should take around 30 minutes to cook.
Yes, add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions and beef, or increase the amount of chili powder.
