Who doesn't love a little comfort food now and then?I know I do! I believe in life with moderation in all things. Eat well most of the time, be active most of the time, indulge a little some of the time! Not only is this chili mac super easy and fast, it is also ridiculously cheap. To bare-bones it, just get the store brand mac n cheese and the frugal-est can of pre-made chili and mix the two. This recipe is just one step up from there by making your own quick chilli. You can use the chili alone, or top hot dogs or baked potatoes too.
Ingredients:
1 box macaroni & cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar for extra oomph)
1 can kidney beans
1 can diced tomatoes
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 small can tomato sauce (6 oz)
1/4 cup chili powder
Step 1: Prepare the macaroni by boiling and draining pasta. You can choose to make your own pasta and cheese sauce if you don't want the preservatives or seasonings from the packaged version.
Step 2: While noodles boil, brown the ground meat and drain fat. In a sauce pot, combine the meat, diced tomatoes with juice, chili powder, drained kidney beans, and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes to 2 hours.
Step 3: If
you're using this just as chili for a meal or topper, longer simmering
is better. But basically as soon as flavors combine and it is heated
through you can add into the macaroni. Just pour it all in there, and give it a good stir.
You can add in any spices you want too, hot sauce if you like that kinda thing, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, etc...
There you have it, a thick, hearty comfort food that is sure to please your palate and fill your tummy. Depending on if you hit sales and buy store brand or not, you can easily feed six-eight for under $3!
Enjoy!
What's your favorite comfort food?
Labels: cheap, cheap chili, cheap recipes, chili, chili mac, comfort food, easy, fast dinner recipes, filling, ground beef, macaroni, macaroni and cheese, pasta, student, tomato sauce, tomatoes
