Description
This Zippy’s Chili recipe delivers warmth and satisfying texture with its classic brick-red hue and macaroni scatter. It’s a hearty, no-fuss meal, perfect for busy parents or budget-conscious cooks, promising delicious leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef, lean or regular
- 2.5 tbsp chili powder blend
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup dry elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large 5-quart pot or Dutch oven, brown 1.5 lbs ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains (5-7 mins). Drain any excess fat.
- Saute Aromatics: Add 1 chopped onion and 3 cloves minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook, stirring often, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, and the garlic is fragrant (5 mins).
- Toast Spices: Stir in 2.5 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tbsp tomato paste. Cook for just 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are wonderfully fragrant.
- Simmer the Chili: Pour in 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (rinsed and drained), and 2 cups beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. If chili looks too thick, splash in an extra 0.25 cup of beef broth.
- Cook Macaroni: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour for a richer flavor. While it simmers, cook 1 cup elbow macaroni according to package directions in a separate pot until al dente (8-10 mins). Drain it well once cooked.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked and drained elbow macaroni directly into the simmering Zippy’s Chili. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed (e.g., salt, more chili powder). Serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter option, ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work beautifully. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add an extra layer of flavor. Pinto or black beans are good substitutes for kidney beans. Low-sodium beef broth is a healthy option. Whole wheat or gluten-free macaroni can be used for dietary needs. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (380g)
- Calories: 450 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Zippy's Chili, comfort food, hearty, weeknight, ground beef, macaroni, easy, family-friendly
