Hearty One-Pot Chili Macaroni Soup: A Family Favorite Recipe

This chili macaroni soup is a hearty, one-pot meal that effortlessly combines the robust flavors of classic chili with comforting macaroni pasta. It’s an ideal choice for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will adore, offering warmth and flavor in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this fantastic chili macaroni soup. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry, making this a truly accessible and convenient recipe.

• 1 tbsp olive oil – *For sautéing aromatics and building a flavorful base.*
• ¼ onion, diced – *Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the soup.*
• 3 oz tomato paste – *Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the broth.*
• 14 oz can petite diced tomatoes – *Provides a fresh tomato base without large chunks, contributing to the soup’s texture.*
• 2 – 15.5 oz cans chili beans – *These pre-seasoned beans are key to achieving that classic chili flavor and heartiness.*
• 8 oz elbow pasta – *The perfect shape to hold the rich chili broth and add satisfying bulk. Feel free to substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells.*
• 1 bouillon cube – *Adds a concentrated savory boost to the broth. Beef or vegetable bouillon works well.*
• 4 cups water – *Forms the liquid base for the soup, allowing the pasta to cook and flavors to meld.*
• ½ tbsp brown sugar – *A touch of sweetness balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall chili flavor.*
• 2 tsp chili powder – *The cornerstone spice for any chili, providing warmth and characteristic flavor.*
• 1 tsp cumin – *Adds an earthy, smoky note that is essential to authentic chili.*
• 1 tsp salt – *Enhances all the flavors in the soup. Adjust to taste.*
• 1 tsp pepper – *A fundamental seasoning that adds a subtle kick.*
• 1 tsp dried oregano – *Contributes an herbaceous, slightly peppery aroma that complements the chili spices.*

Using high-quality ingredients will always yield the best results, but this recipe is forgiving and works wonderfully with standard pantry items. Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to your personal preference!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a deliciously comforting bowl of chili macaroni soup:

1. Step 1: Sauté the Onion. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté for about two minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent. This brief sauté builds a foundational layer of flavor.

2. Step 2: Build the Flavor Base. Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for another minute to deepen its flavor and color. This step, known as blooming the tomato paste, is crucial for a richer taste.

3. Step 3: Combine All Ingredients. Add the petite diced tomatoes (undrained), both cans of chili beans (undrained, for maximum flavor and ease), the dry elbow pasta, the bouillon cube, and 4 cups of water. Stir all the ingredients well to ensure everything is evenly combined and the bouillon cube dissolves.

4. Step 4: Season the Soup. Now it’s time to add the seasonings: brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices throughout the soup. Taste the liquid and adjust any seasonings if necessary; remember, flavors will continue to develop as it cooks.

5. Step 5: Simmer to Perfection. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it cook for 12 to 16 minutes, or until the pasta is tender to your liking. It’s important to stir the soup occasionally during this time to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.

6. Step 6: Adjust Consistency. Keep an eye on the liquid level. If the soup becomes too thick or the liquid line gets too low before the pasta is cooked, add an additional ½ cup of water at a time, stirring well after each addition, until the pasta reaches the desired tenderness and the soup has your preferred consistency. This flexibility ensures your soup is never too watery or too dry.

7. Step 7: Serve and Enjoy. Once the pasta is perfectly cooked and the flavors have melded, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the hot chili macaroni soup into bowls and prepare for a comforting meal. Don’t forget the toppings!

Tips for Success & Variations

Elevate your Chili Macaroni Soup experience with these helpful tips and creative variations:

Enhancing Flavor

• Add Ground Meat: For a meatier chili macaroni soup, brown 1 lb of ground beef or turkey with the onion in Step 1. Drain any excess fat before proceeding with the tomato paste.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a diced jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat), or a dash of hot sauce along with the other seasonings.
• Smoky Notes: A teaspoon of smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth and smoky aroma to your chili base.
• Fresh Aromatics: Consider adding 1-2 cloves of minced garlic with the onion for an even more robust aromatic foundation.

Customizing Your Soup

• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: This recipe is already vegetarian! For a vegan version, ensure your bouillon cube is plant-based and no dairy is used in toppings.
• Vary the Beans: While chili beans are specified, feel free to experiment with other beans like kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans. Rinse and drain them if they are not pre-seasoned.
• Different Pasta Shapes: Small pasta shapes work best. Ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti can be used in place of elbow macaroni.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition and texture by stirring in some diced bell peppers with the onion, or adding frozen corn or diced zucchini during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering.

Serving and Storage

• Garnish Generously: Don’t underestimate the power of toppings! Shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or even a few crushed tortilla chips can transform your bowl.
• Serve with Sides: This soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, crusty bread, or warm cornbread.
• Storage: Leftover chili macaroni soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid, so you might need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Cool completely before freezing in individual portions for quick meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding liquid if needed.

Recipe Video

Watch Julia Pacheco prepare this delicious chili macaroni soup in her kitchen. This video provides a visual guide to each step, helping you create a perfect batch every time. Learn valuable tips and tricks directly from the chef to ensure your soup is packed with flavor and cooked to perfection.

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional value of your meals is important. Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving of this comforting soup:

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

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