High Protein Chili Mac Recipe

Introduction

High Protein Chili Mac is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines classic chili flavors with comforting macaroni. Packed with beef, beans, and cheese, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a flavorful, protein-rich meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 8 oz macaroni noodles
• 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
• 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)
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook the macaroni noodles in salted water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the water and set the noodles aside.
2. Step 2: While the macaroni cooks, brown the ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet. Once the beef is fully crumbled and browned, season it with chili powder, cumin, salt, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Step 3: Add the tomato paste, fire roasted diced tomatoes (with liquid), and drained kidney beans to the skillet. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, blend the cottage cheese and milk until smooth to create a creamy sauce.
5. Step 5: Pour the cooked macaroni noodles and the cottage cheese sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss gently to combine everything evenly. Turn off the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Place the skillet in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.
• Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Use low-fat cottage cheese and cheese to reduce fat content while keeping protein high.
• Feel free to swap macaroni for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is it necessary to use cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese creates a creamy texture and adds protein, but you can substitute it with ricotta or Greek yogurt for a similar effect.

High Protein Chili Mac Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 149 reviews

A hearty and protein-packed chili mac combining tender macaroni noodles with seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, and a creamy cottage cheese sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to perfection. This comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Tomatoes 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. Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Brown the Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through.
3. Season the Meat: Season the browned beef with chili powder, ground cumin, salt, dried oregano, cayenne pepper powder (if using), and smoked paprika. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with the spices.
4. Add Tomato and Beans: Stir in the tomato paste, fire roasted diced tomatoes (with their liquid), and the drained kidney beans. Mix everything thoroughly and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
5. Prepare Cottage Cheese Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and milk. Blend until smooth and creamy, creating a sauce-like consistency.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cooked macaroni noodles and the cottage cheese mixture into the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Toss everything together evenly to coat the pasta with the sauce and incorporate all ingredients well. Turn off the heat.
7. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• This recipe can be made with ground turkey or chicken as a leaner protein alternative.
• The cottage cheese and milk blend helps add creaminess without using heavy cream, keeping it relatively lower in fat.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Keywords: High Protein Chili Mac, Chili Macaroni, Beef Chili Mac, Baked Pasta, Comfort Food, Protein-Packed Dinner