Chili Mac Soup

Chili Mac Soup combines the comforting flavors of chili with the heartiness of pasta in a single pot, making it a perfect meal for chilly days or when you’re craving a satisfying, easy-to-make dish. This recipe features ground beef, onions, and green bell peppers cooked together with a blend of spices and Hamburger Helper™ chili macaroni.

The addition of diced tomatoes, whole kernel corn with peppers, and sliced olives enhances the flavors and textures, creating a flavorful and filling soup. Follow these straightforward steps to whip up a delicious bowl of Chili Mac Soup that the whole family will enjoy.

Chili Mac Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (at least 80% lean)

1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper

5 cups hot water

1 box Hamburger Helper™ chili macaroni

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

2 cups diced tomatoes (from 28-oz can)

1 can (11 oz) whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, undrained

2 tablespoons sliced pitted ripe olives

Instructions:

Step 1:

In 4-quart Dutch oven, cook beef, onion and bell pepper over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain.

Step 2:

Stir in hot water, sauce mix (from Hamburger Helper box), chili powder, garlic salt and tomatoes.

Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally.

Step 3:

Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in uncooked pasta (from Hamburger Helper box), corn and olives.

Cover; cook 10 minutes longer.

Notes:

Flavorful Base: The combination of ground beef, onions, and green bell peppers forms a savory base for this soup, providing both texture and flavor.

Convenience: Utilizing Hamburger Helper™ chili macaroni simplifies the preparation by providing a seasoned pasta mix that enhances the chili flavor profile.

Spices: Chili powder and garlic salt add depth and warmth to the soup, complementing the beef and vegetables.

Tomatoes and Corn: Diced tomatoes and whole kernel corn with red and green peppers contribute sweetness and additional texture to the soup.

Cooking Technique: Cooking the beef and vegetables first ensures they are tender and fully cooked before adding the other ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Simmering: Allowing the soup to simmer after adding the pasta ensures that the flavors meld together while the pasta cooks to a perfect al dente texture.

Customizable: Adding sliced olives at the end provides a tangy and salty element, but this can be adjusted based on personal preference.

Serving: This soup is hearty and filling on its own, but can be served with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Leftovers: It reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prep for busy weekdays.

Variations: Feel free to customize by adding more vegetables like carrots or beans, or adjusting the spice level according to taste preferences.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leaner ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer. However, keep in mind that leaner cuts may result in a slightly drier texture compared to 80% lean ground beef.

Can I omit the green bell pepper?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of green bell pepper or don’t have any on hand, feel free to omit it.

The soup will still be flavorful without it.

Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for canned diced tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned diced tomatoes.

Simply chop enough fresh tomatoes to yield 2 cups and use them in place of the canned variety.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can I freeze leftover Chili-Mac Soup?

Yes, Chili-Mac Soup freezes well.

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer.

Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of water to make it vegetarian-friendly.

Additionally, consider adding extra vegetables or beans for added texture and flavor.

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned corn?

Yes, fresh corn can be used instead of canned corn.

Simply remove the kernels from the cob and add them to the soup.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the corn is tender.

Can I use homemade chili seasoning instead of chili powder?

Yes, you can use homemade chili seasoning if you prefer.

Just ensure it’s well-balanced and adjust the quantity to taste.

Can I use other types of pasta instead of macaroni?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta if you don’t have macaroni on hand.

Penne, rotini, or shells would work well in this recipe.

Can I omit the olives if I don’t like them?

Of course! If you’re not a fan of olives, feel free to omit them.

The soup will still be delicious without them.

Can I use low-sodium broth instead of water?

Yes, using low-sodium broth instead of water can add extra flavor to the soup without increasing the sodium content too much.

Can I add additional vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to customize the soup to your liking.

Diced carrots, celery, or zucchini would be great additions.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch.

Just make sure to use a larger pot or Dutch oven to accommodate the increased volume.

Adjust cooking times as needed.