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High Protein Chili Mac Recipe

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3.9 from 10 reviews

This High Protein Chili Mac is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines tender macaroni pasta with seasoned ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and kidney beans, all enriched with a creamy cottage cheese sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly spiced and baked to perfection, it offers a delicious way to enjoy a protein-packed meal in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 oz macaroni noodles

Meat and Seasonings

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper powder (optional)
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika

Tomato and Beans

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 15 oz fire roasted petite diced tomatoes (1 can, do not drain liquid)
  • 15 oz red kidney beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)

Dairy

  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Brown and Season Beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary. Season the beef with chili powder, cumin, salt, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika, stirring to combine evenly.
  3. Add Tomato and Beans, Simmer: Stir in the tomato paste, fire roasted diced tomatoes (with their liquid), and drained kidney beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Prepare Cottage Cheese Sauce: While the beef mixture simmers, blend the cottage cheese and milk together in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy, creating a sauce that will add protein and moisture to the dish.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce with Beef Mixture: Pour the cooked macaroni noodles and cottage cheese sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss well to combine all ingredients evenly. Turn off the heat.
  6. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the pasta and beef mixture. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • To make this dish vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils.
  • You can add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or onions during the beef browning step for added nutrition.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste.
  • Use low-fat cottage cheese and cheddar cheese if you want to reduce fat content.
  • Ensure the skillet used is oven-safe to avoid damage and ensure proper baking.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; reheat covered in the oven to maintain moisture.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/high-protein-chili-mac-recipe/