Chili nights and cheese delights meet in this extraordinary dish that’s sure to warm the soul and tantalize the taste buds. Imagine the perfect blend of a hearty, slow-cooked beef chili and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, all brought together with a unique low-carb pasta that promises to keep your keto goals firmly on track. This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a culinary adventure that combines the comfort of chili, the indulgence of cheese, and the smart, health-conscious choice of almond-flour pasta. Whether it’s a chilly evening in or a special occasion that calls for something both comforting and impressive, this Chili Cheese Mac is your go-to recipe.
Chili Cheese Mac
A spicy, cheesy, and heartily satisfying dish that redefines comfort food for those on a ketogenic diet.
Ingredients
- 1 pack of low-carb ziti pasta (almond flour-based, about 3 net carbs per serving)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water as needed for boiling pasta
- Optional garnishes: green onions, sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil water and cook the low-carb pasta according to package instructions, considering the additional soaking and boiling tips for optimal texture.
- In another pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onions and garlic to the beef, cooking until onions are soft.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- In a saucepan, melt the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Add a splash of water or cream to achieve a smooth, sauce-like consistency.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the beef chili mixture. Pour the cheddar cheese sauce over the top, mixing gently to ensure even coating.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Breakdown of Ingredients and Average Carb Content
Indulging in this dish means you’re not only treating yourself to a burst of flavors but also keeping your carb intake in check. Here’s a quick look at the average carb content of the key ingredients:
- Low-carb ziti pasta: 3g net carbs per serving
- Ground beef: 0g carbs (pure protein and fat)
- Cheddar cheese: <1g carbs per 2 cups (shredded)
- Diced tomatoes: 5g net carbs per can
- Tomato sauce: 7g net carbs per can
- Onion, garlic, spices: Approximately 5-10g net carbs combined, depending on quantities used
Total average carbs for the recipe: This will vary based on the specific brands and amounts of each ingredient used but expect an average of around 15-25g net carbs for the entire dish, which can serve multiple portions.
A Hearty Conclusion
Who knew that sticking to a ketogenic diet could taste so good? This Chili Cheese Mac recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the satisfaction of a comforting, hearty meal and the benefits of low-carb eating. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. So, go ahead, dive into a bowl of this deliciousness, and let each bite remind you that keto-friendly meals can be both indulgent and nutritious. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that keeps you well within your dietary goals.
