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Cheddar Jack Chili Mac

A classic dish gets a quick makeover. Some flavor combinations never go out of style!

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4, 1 1/2 cups per serving

Ingredients

12 ounces extra-lean ground beef
3 cups water
1 14.5-ounce can no-salt-added stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 8-ounce can no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic or 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup dried whole-grain macaroni or other small whole-grain pasta
1/2 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese, low-fat Monterey Jack, or a combination (about 2 ounces)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a Dutch oven, cook the beef over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until no longer pink, stirring occasionally to turn and crumble the beef. Drain and discard any liquid.

    Step 2

    Stir in the water, tomatoes with liquid, tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, covered, 1 to 2 minutes.

    Step 3

    Stir in the pasta. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until tender. Ladle the mixture into soup bowls. Sprinkle with the cheese.

  2. Cook’s Tip

    Step 4

    Instead of oregano, substitute 1 teaspoon of your favorite spice or dried herb. Here are some suggestions: chili powder, rosemary, ground cumin, thyme, basil, or fennel seeds.

  3. nutrition information

    Step 5

    (Per Serving)

    Step 6

    Calories: 263

    Step 7

    Total Fat: 5.0g

    Step 8

    Saturated: 1.5g

    Step 9

    Trans: 0.5g

    Step 10

    Polyunsaturated: 1.0g

    Step 11

    Monounsaturated: 1.5g

    Step 12

    Cholesterol: 49mg

    Step 13

    Sodium: 385mg

    Step 14

    Carbohydrates: 27g

    Step 15

    Fiber: 4g

    Step 16

    Sugars: 8g

    Step 17

    Protein: 28g

    Step 18

    Dietary Exchanges

    Step 19

    1 Starch

    Step 20

    2 Vegetable

    Step 21

    3 Lean Meat

American Heart Association Quick & Easy Meals
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