Hearty Chili Mac Soup

Hearty Chili Mac Soup

Introduction

Hearty Chili Mac Soup is the ultimate comfort meal that brings together the bold flavors of classic chili and the cozy satisfaction of pasta in one warm, filling bowl. Rich, savory, and perfectly balanced, this soup is loaded with ground beef, tender macaroni, beans, and vegetables simmered in a flavorful tomato-based broth. It is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out and makes everyone come back for seconds. Ideal for busy weeknights, cold evenings, or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is simple to prepare yet deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small carrot, diced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1½ cups small macaroni or elbow pasta
• 1 cup water (as needed, for pasta cooking)

Instructions

Preparing the base
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat if necessary. Add the chopped onion and diced carrot, then cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Building the flavor
Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly with the spices. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Simmering the soup
Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the kidney beans and stir gently.

Cooking the pasta
Add the macaroni directly into the soup along with additional water if needed to keep the consistency soupy. Simmer for another 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the soup has thickened slightly.

Final adjustments
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.

Conclusion
Hearty Chili Mac Soup is a comforting, all-in-one meal that combines bold chili flavors with the nostalgic goodness of pasta. It is rich, filling, and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home. Serve it hot on its own or with a slice of crusty bread for an even more comforting experience. Would you enjoy this soup as a weeknight dinner or save it for a cozy weekend meal?