Hearty Pasta Chili

Hearty Pasta Chili Recipe from USA with Ground Beef and Cheddar

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hearty Pasta Chili is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of chili with the heartiness of pasta. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd at a gathering. The combination of tender egg noodles, savory ground beef, and a flavorful tomato sauce creates a dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

History

The origins of Hearty Pasta Chili are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional chili recipes that have been passed down through generations. The addition of pasta to the dish adds a unique twist and creates a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 package of egg noodles
1 lb (454 g) of ground beef
1 cup of chopped onion
1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) of diced tomatoes
1 can of tomato sauce
2 tbsp of chili powder
1 tsp of garlic salt
0.25 tsp of cayenne pepper
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot to keep it warm.
Meanwhile, brown the ground beef and onion.
Drain the beef and onion mixture.
Add the remaining ingredients to the beef mixture, except for the cheese.
Simmer the mixture uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Toss the meat mixture with the hot noodles and serve, topped with cheese.

Variations

For a spicier version, add additional cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chili mixture.
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or additional vegetables.
For a healthier option, use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles in place of traditional egg noodles.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so that it holds up well when mixed with the chili sauce.

- For extra flavor, you can add additional spices such as cumin, paprika, or oregano to the chili mixture.

- To make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or additional vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers.

Serving Suggestions

Hearty Pasta Chili can be served on its own as a main dish or paired with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so that it holds up well when mixed with the chili sauce.

- Simmer the chili mixture uncovered to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef.

- Any type of pasta can be used in this recipe, such as spaghetti, penne, or rotini.

- If you don't have chili powder on hand, you can substitute with a combination of cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Make Ahead Tips

Hearty Pasta Chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hearty Pasta Chili in individual bowls topped with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese and a sprig of fresh parsley. For a festive touch, serve in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and creative presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Hearty Pasta Chili pairs well with a side salad, cornbread, or garlic bread. For a refreshing beverage, serve with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Hearty Pasta Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hearty Pasta Chili contains approximately 400 calories. This dish is a satisfying and filling meal that can be enjoyed as a main course.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hearty Pasta Chili contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of Hearty Pasta Chili contains approximately 15 grams of fat. Fat is essential for the body to function properly and can help with the absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Proteins

Each serving of Hearty Pasta Chili contains approximately 25 grams of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Vitamins and minerals

Hearty Pasta Chili is a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. These nutrients are important for overall health and can help support your immune system and bone health.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheddar cheese) and wheat (egg noodles), which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Hearty Pasta Chili is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This dish is a delicious and satisfying option for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd.

Summary

Hearty Pasta Chili is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of chili with the heartiness of pasta. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a satisfying and filling option for any occasion. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Hearty Pasta Chili. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just returned home from a long day of work. As I walked into the kitchen, I was greeted by the warm and inviting aroma of simmering tomatoes, beans, and spices.

My dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, had come over to visit and brought along a pot of her famous chili. She had been raving about this recipe for weeks, claiming it was the perfect comfort food for a cold day. I watched as she added in a handful of pasta, giving the chili a unique twist that I had never seen before.

As I sat down to enjoy a bowl of Mrs. Jenkins' Hearty Pasta Chili, I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. I begged her to share the recipe with me, promising to cherish it and pass it down to future generations. Mrs. Jenkins was more than happy to oblige, and she spent the rest of the evening teaching me the ins and outs of her beloved dish.

The secret, she explained, was in the spices. Mrs. Jenkins had a special blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika that gave the chili its rich and smoky flavor. She also shared her trick of adding in a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick of umami.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe for Hearty Pasta Chili, making it my own by adding in ingredients that I loved. I experimented with different types of beans, swapping out kidney beans for black beans or garbanzo beans. I also played around with the pasta, trying out everything from penne to fusilli.

As I continued to make the chili for family gatherings and potluck dinners, it became a beloved staple in our household. My grandchildren would beg me to make a batch whenever they came to visit, knowing that a steaming bowl of Hearty Pasta Chili was the ultimate comfort food.

One day, while browsing through an old cookbook that had belonged to my own grandmother, I stumbled upon a similar recipe for pasta chili. It was slightly different from Mrs. Jenkins' version, but the core ingredients were the same. I realized that this recipe had been passed down through generations, each cook putting their own spin on it.

I felt a deep sense of connection to my ancestors as I read through the recipe, imagining my great-grandmother standing over a stove, stirring a pot of bubbling chili. I could almost hear her laughter and feel her warmth as she shared a meal with her loved ones.

From that day on, I made it a point to teach my grandchildren how to make Hearty Pasta Chili. I wanted them to carry on the tradition, adding their own flair to the recipe and passing it down to their children one day.

As I sit here now, stirring a pot of simmering chili on a cold winter's day, I am filled with gratitude for all the cooks who came before me. Each one brought their own unique touch to this dish, creating a legacy of love and nourishment that stretches back through the generations.

And as I ladle out bowls of steaming chili for my family, I know that the recipe for Hearty Pasta Chili will live on, bringing comfort and joy to all who taste it.