Vegetarian Chili Mac Recipe Easy and Delicious Dinner Idea

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s both nutritious and packed with flavors, this vegetarian chili mac recipe is the perfect choice. Combining the rich, smoky essence of chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese, this dish offers the best of both worlds.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just want a satisfying vegetarian meal, this recipe will hit all the right notes. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and can be customized to suit your taste buds with a variety of beans, vegetables, and spices.

This vegetarian chili mac is a crowd-pleaser that even meat lovers will enjoy. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies and plant-based protein, making it a wholesome, filling meal.

Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are a bonus! Ready to dive into a bowl of cozy, delicious comfort food?

Let’s get started.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian chili mac recipe offers a delightful fusion of two classic dishes, creating a unique and satisfying meal. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with beans, vegetables, and pasta, it’s a complete meal that keeps you energized.
• Simple to Prepare: Uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients with straightforward steps, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferred spice level and ingredient availability.
• Vegetarian and Nutritious: Loaded with fiber, protein, and vitamins without any meat.
• Great for Meal Prep: Makes excellent leftovers and freezes well.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta shape
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or plant-based cheese for vegan option)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional for serving)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the bell pepper and zucchini: Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Build the chili base: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables with spices.
5. Add beans and tomatoes: Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Combine pasta and chili: Add the cooked pasta to the chili mixture and stir until well combined and heated through.
7. Incorporate cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup cheese for topping.
8. Serve: Spoon the chili mac into bowls, sprinkle with the reserved cheese and chopped cilantro. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For a vegan version, simply swap the cheddar cheese and sour cream with your favorite plant-based alternatives. Nutritional yeast also adds a nice cheesy flavor!”

• Make it spicier: Increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
• Add more veggies: Try adding corn, mushrooms, or carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
• Use different beans: Pinto beans or chickpeas can replace or complement the black and kidney beans.
• Slow cooker option: Combine all ingredients except pasta and cheese in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in cooked pasta and cheese before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian chili mac is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate your meal with some tasty sides and toppings. Here are a few ideas:

• Fresh avocado slices or guacamole for creaminess
• Crushed tortilla chips for added crunch
• Pickled jalapeños if you like a tangy, spicy kick
• Simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness
• Warm cornbread or garlic bread for dipping

If you love experimenting with vegetarian dishes, check out some other favorites like Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or get inspired by wholesome comfort food in our Chili Recipe Slow Cooker Vegetarian: Easy & Hearty Meal.

For a delicious vegetarian dessert to round out your meal, try the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Conclusion

This vegetarian chili mac recipe is a true winner when it comes to comfort food that’s both delicious and nutritious. It’s a simple, flexible dish that you can tailor to your own tastes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

The combination of smoky chili spices, creamy cheese, and tender pasta creates a satisfying and flavorful meal that everyone will appreciate. Plus, it’s an excellent way to enjoy a meatless dish without sacrificing heartiness or taste.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to make, freezes well, and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it any day of the week.

Give it a try and discover how comforting and tasty vegetarian meals can be!

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