American Chili Mac
American Chili Mac is a hearty, one-pot comfort food that combines the elements of two classic dishes: chili con carne and macaroni pasta. It typically features ground beef, macaroni noodles, tomatoes, chili powder, and often kidney beans or cheese, creating a thick, savory stew-like meal. Originating in the United States, it's a popular, budget-friendly staple in home cooking and casual dining.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from the pasta and beans, and a good source of protein from the beef and beans, but can also be high in fat depending on the meat and cheese used. A typical serving provides significant iron, fiber, and B vitamins, with a rough calorie range of 400-600 calories per generous serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbs | 30 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1500 IU |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.5 mcg |
| Zinc | 4 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Chili Mac is a quintessential example of American culinary fusion, blending the Mexican-inspired flavors of chili with the Italian-American tradition of pasta. Nutritionally, it's a complete meal in a bowl, offering a balance of macronutrients that made it a popular choice for feeding families economically.
