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Amazing 1-Pot Vegetarian Chili Macaroni Casserole

Vegetarian Chili Macaroni Casserole
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This is a warm, enthusiastic recipe for Vegetarian Chili Macaroni Casserole, a perfect one-dish meal for an easy, flavorful dinner. It combines hearty chili spices with comforting macaroni in a simple bake.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (or a blend)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth to the pot.
  5. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper, if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the simmering chili mixture. Stir well to combine.
  7. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the macaroni is nearly tender but still slightly firm (al dente). The mixture will thicken as the pasta absorbs liquid.
  8. Pour the macaroni and chili mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  9. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  10. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned, and the casserole is heated through.
  11. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Notes

  • Feel free to swap the beans for pinto or cannellini beans based on what you have on hand.
  • For extra depth of flavor, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika with the other spices.
  • If the casserole seems too thick after baking, stir in a splash of vegetable broth until you reach your preferred consistency.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/vegetarian-chili-macaroni-casserole-recipe/