Quick and Easy Chili Mac
This week has been a busy one. With Christmas less than 2 weeks away and an ever growing shopping list, it's been really tough not turning to take out or fast food at every chance. We did eat out for lunch Saturday while shopping, but I insisted on no fast food so we hit up one of our favorite locally owned restaurants for burrito bowls. For dinner Saturday night though, we made dinner at home and recharged our introverted batteries.
Phil fixed up dinner for the pets and shredded up some cheese while I pulled together this quick and easy chili mac in almost the same amount of time. Seriously, I think this took 20 minutes and made a ton. Even better, I got to use up the last bit of fresh baby spinach from earlier in the week and didn't have to chop anything! That's a great win after walking around the mall, downtown and Hobby Lobby on the second to last Saturday before Santa arrives.
But enough about me, this chili mac is quick, easy and cheap! I used all gluten free items and if I had to buy everything, it would cost me less than $10 at Walmart (less if you don't need gluten free or if you buy chili seasoned tomatoes and skip the seasoning pack), but I was in luck and had the tomato juice, spinach, pasta and cheese on hand already. You could also stir in a spoonful of sour cream, plain yogurt or heavy cream to add a touch of extra richness and cut the heat from the spice seasoning.
Ingredients
1/2 pound ground meat of choice (we used turkey breakfast sausage)
1 package gluten free chili seasoning
1 can diced tomatoes (can use chili tomatoes and skip the seasoning pack)
1/2 cup tomato juice
1 cup packed torn spinach leaves
1/2 box gluten free elbow macaroni
Toppings of choice
Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside. While pasta is cooking, brown meat then add chili seasoning, tomatoes, tomato juice, and spinach. Bring to a bubble then reduce to low and simmer 5 minutes. If desired, stir in a spoonful of sour cream, plain yogurt, or heavy cream for richness and to reduce spiciness. Stir in pasta. Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, fresh chopped onion, sour cream, and cilantro.
Enjoy!
Phil fixed up dinner for the pets and shredded up some cheese while I pulled together this quick and easy chili mac in almost the same amount of time. Seriously, I think this took 20 minutes and made a ton. Even better, I got to use up the last bit of fresh baby spinach from earlier in the week and didn't have to chop anything! That's a great win after walking around the mall, downtown and Hobby Lobby on the second to last Saturday before Santa arrives.
But enough about me, this chili mac is quick, easy and cheap! I used all gluten free items and if I had to buy everything, it would cost me less than $10 at Walmart (less if you don't need gluten free or if you buy chili seasoned tomatoes and skip the seasoning pack), but I was in luck and had the tomato juice, spinach, pasta and cheese on hand already. You could also stir in a spoonful of sour cream, plain yogurt or heavy cream to add a touch of extra richness and cut the heat from the spice seasoning.
Quick & Easy Chili Mac
Serves 4Ingredients
1/2 pound ground meat of choice (we used turkey breakfast sausage)
1 package gluten free chili seasoning
1 can diced tomatoes (can use chili tomatoes and skip the seasoning pack)
1/2 cup tomato juice
1 cup packed torn spinach leaves
1/2 box gluten free elbow macaroni
Toppings of choice
Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside. While pasta is cooking, brown meat then add chili seasoning, tomatoes, tomato juice, and spinach. Bring to a bubble then reduce to low and simmer 5 minutes. If desired, stir in a spoonful of sour cream, plain yogurt, or heavy cream for richness and to reduce spiciness. Stir in pasta. Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, fresh chopped onion, sour cream, and cilantro.
Enjoy!
Did you make this and love it? Tag me on IG or Twitter (@cup_of_social) to share your meal with me!
Until next time my lovelies!
-M
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