Sweet Chili with Macaroni

Sweet Chili with Macaroni Recipe from USA | Ground Beef, Tomatoes, and Red Kidney Beans

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 8

Introduction

Sweet Chili with Macaroni is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the richness of ground beef with the sweetness of brown sugar and the spiciness of chili powder. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering with friends.

History

The origins of Sweet Chili with Macaroni can be traced back to American cuisine, where chili con carne has been a popular dish for many years. This recipe puts a sweet twist on the classic chili by adding brown sugar for a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) ground beef
2 large onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
28 oz (794 g) can whole tomatoes
28 oz (794 g) can tomato sauce
16 oz (454 g) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
1 lb (454 g) elbow macaroni, cooked following package directions

How to prepare

In a pot, brown the beef, onion, and garlic for 10 minutes.
Add chili powder, salt, cumin, pepper, and oregano. Cook for 2 minutes or until fragrant.
Drain the liquid from the tomatoes into the pot, chop the tomatoes, and add them.
Fill a can with water and add it to the pot along with tomato sauce, beans, and brown sugar.
Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 35 minutes.
Serve over macaroni.
Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of the dish.
Add diced bell peppers, corn, or jalapenos for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of beans such as black beans or pinto beans for a twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the beef, onions, and garlic properly to develop a rich flavor base for the chili.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences – add more for a spicier dish or less for a milder flavor.

- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for a longer period of time to allow the liquid to reduce.

- Garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sweet Chili with Macaroni with a side of cornbread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the beef, onions, and garlic adds depth of flavor to the dish.

- Simmering the chili uncovered allows the flavors to meld together and the liquid to reduce for a thicker consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

- Substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans.

- Use whole wheat or gluten-free macaroni for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

Sweet Chili with Macaroni can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sweet Chili with Macaroni in individual bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Sweet Chili with Macaroni with a glass of red wine such as Merlot or Zinfandel for a perfect match.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Sweet Chili with Macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sweet Chili with Macaroni contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sweet Chili with Macaroni contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sweet Chili with Macaroni contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sweet Chili with Macaroni contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet Chili with Macaroni is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and sour cream) and gluten (macaroni).

Summary

Sweet Chili with Macaroni is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Sweet Chili with Macaroni is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends. With a perfect balance of sweetness, spiciness, and richness, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Sweet Chili with Macaroni. It was a chilly autumn day, the leaves were falling from the trees and a gentle breeze was blowing through the kitchen window. I had invited my friend Sarah over for lunch, and as we sat down at the table, she pulled out a small, tattered notebook from her bag.

"I have something special to share with you today," she said with a mischievous smile.

Curious, I leaned in closer as she opened the notebook and revealed a handwritten recipe for Sweet Chili with Macaroni. My mouth watered just looking at the ingredients and the detailed instructions. Sarah explained that it was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations, and she wanted me to give it a try.

Excited to try something new, I immediately started gathering the ingredients and following the steps outlined in the recipe. As the chili simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, Sarah and I chatted and caught up on each other's lives. Finally, the moment of truth arrived as I ladled the steaming chili over a bed of perfectly cooked macaroni.

The first bite was pure bliss. The flavors danced on my taste buds, a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with a hint of warmth from the chili powder. Sarah watched me with a knowing smile, knowing that I had just discovered a new favorite recipe.

From that day on, Sweet Chili with Macaroni became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and any time I wanted a comforting meal that never failed to impress. Over the years, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to make it uniquely my own.

I learned to make the perfect blend of spices, using a combination of cumin, paprika, and a touch of cinnamon to give the chili depth and complexity. I also discovered that adding a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking enhanced the flavors and brought a subtle tanginess to the dish.

As I perfected the recipe, I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness. They asked for the recipe, and I happily passed it along, knowing that it would bring them as much joy and satisfaction as it had brought me.

One day, as I was making a batch of Sweet Chili with Macaroni for a neighborhood potluck, a young girl approached me, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"Can I help you make that?" she asked timidly.

I smiled and nodded, inviting her to join me in the kitchen. As we chopped onions, diced tomatoes, and stirred the chili together, I shared stories of how I had discovered the recipe and how it had become a beloved tradition in my family.

The girl listened intently, her face lighting up with excitement as she tasted a spoonful of the simmering chili. When it was finally ready, she ladled it over a bowl of macaroni and took a bite, her eyes widening in delight.

"This is amazing!" she exclaimed. "I can't wait to make it for my own family."

And so, the tradition continued. The recipe for Sweet Chili with Macaroni was passed down once again, from one generation to the next, spreading joy and warmth wherever it went. And as I watched the young girl leave with a spring in her step and a newfound passion for cooking, I knew that the recipe would live on for years to come, bringing people together and creating cherished memories along the way.