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.

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.