Chili Mac Base
Chili Mac Base is a hearty, one-pot American comfort food that combines the rich, spiced flavors of chili con carne with the satisfying texture of elbow macaroni. It typically features ground beef, tomatoes, onions, chili powder, and cumin, with the pasta cooked directly in the flavorful sauce. This dish is a popular home-cooked staple, especially in the Midwest and Southern United States, known for its simplicity and filling nature.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Chili Mac Base is a balanced, high-energy meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the ground beef, and fats from the meat and any added oils. It is a significant source of iron, B vitamins, and fiber, especially if beans or vegetables are included. A typical serving can range from 400 to 600 calories, depending on the portion size and specific ingredients used.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin A | 300 IU |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.3 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
What makes Chili Mac Base culturally unique is its role as a quintessential 'pantry meal'—a dish born from the practical need to stretch ingredients and feed a family affordably. Nutritionally, it's interesting because it combines plant-based and animal-based proteins, creating a more complete amino acid profile than many simple dishes.
