Chili Mac Recipe
High-Protein, Low-Carb 400 Calories 34g Carbs 14g Fat 32g Protein
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Ingredients
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Chili base
Low-carb 'mac' (high-protein pasta substitute)
Finishing & garnish
Method
Chili base
- 1
Brown the meat
Heat a large nonstick skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and break it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains and edges begin to brown, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tsp in the pan for flavor.
- 2
- 3
Build the chili
Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor. Add crushed tomatoes and broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a low simmer.
- 4
Simmer
Lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes to let flavors meld and sauce reduce slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning (add up to 0.25 tsp more salt if needed). Keep warm while you prepare the pasta.
Low-carb 'mac' (high-protein pasta substitute)
- 5
Cook the pasta
While the chili simmers, bring 6 cups water to a rolling boil in a medium pot. Add 0.5 tsp salt and the 6 oz high-protein pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente (typically 7–9 minutes for chickpea/edamame pasta). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 6
Drain and reserve
Reserve 0.25 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander. Return pasta to the pot off heat.
- 7
Combine pasta and chili
Ladle about half to two-thirds of the chili base over the cooked pasta. Gently fold to combine, adding 1–2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. If you prefer the dish saucier, add more chili to taste. Keep remaining chili for topping or extra servings.
Finishing & garnish
- 8
Cheese melt
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar evenly over the combined chili mac. Cover the pot or place under a broiler for 1–2 minutes just to melt the cheese (if using oven/broiler, transfer to an oven-safe dish first).
- 9
Serve
Divide into 4 portions. Top each portion with 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and a lime wedge. Squeeze lime just before eating.