Name: Vegan Chilli Macaroni Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 500 grams wholemeal pasta (or macaroni pasta/gluten-free pasta or similar, use less pasta if required); 60 grams kale (chopped, destalked (weight is after tough stalks removed)); 1 can kidney beans (400g/14oz can, drained or 240g cooked); 1 can green lentils (400g/14oz can, drained.); 1 can chopped tomatoes (400g/14oz can.); 1 tablespoon tomato puree (paste); 1 whole bell pepper (Diced. ); 2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoon onion powder; 2 teaspoon chilli powder (to taste, either less or more); 2 teaspoon cumin powder; 2 teaspoon paprika; 2 teaspoon oregano; pinch cayenne pepper (more to taste); 750 millilitres plant-based milk; 750 millilitres vegetable stock; 45 grams nutritional yeast flakes; 55 grams plant-based cheese (shredded); 1 tablespoon white miso paste ((in the UK can source this at Asda))

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Vegan chilli macaroni cheese is the perfect mid-week meal for those extra busy days when you need something flavour packed, wholesome, quick and easy.

This chilli mac is simply prepared in one pot and can be ready in just 30 minutes.

Serve with a wedge of your favourite crusty bread, dinner rolls or garlic bread, and perhaps a tasty big green crispy salad.

Simply dinner perfection that the whole family will love!

Blue bowl of chilli mac and cheese with fork and red check background.

What is chilli macaroni cheese?

Chilli mac and cheese originates within Midwestern United States, and is a fusion of macaroni cheese and chilli con carne.

Chilli macaroni cheese is commonly sold in tins or packets in the US, whereas in the UK it is less well known. Although as individual meals, macaroni cheese and chili are popular meals within the UK.

Macaroni cheese is a blend of pasta and cheese sauce and is traditionally baked in the oven until golden, often with a breadcrumb sprinkle. Pasta and cheese as a meal has been around since 14th Century, Italy.

Whereas in Tenochtitlan (now known as New Mexico) the Aztecs were enjoying bowls of chilli stew by the 1500s.

Traditionally, chilli con carne is simply meat cooked with chilli's. With tomato sauce and kidney beans common additions. Chilli con carne is claimed as a Tex-Mex dish originating in Texas before being adopted by the US.

At some point in recent history someone must have been inspired to create a fusion dish and chilli macaroni cheese was the result!

Vegan Chilli Mac

For my vegan chilli mac I wanted a dish that was super easy and could be prepared in one-pot. To replace the meat I decided kidney beans and green lentils was a good fit seeing as kidney beans are a traditional addition to chilli.

Dried onion and garlic are used to save time, and besides these dried versions do add lots of flavour. The only fresh veggies are kale and bell pepper which are easily prepared.

For the chilli flavourings I stuck with the classic chilli powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne and oregano.

Everything is cooked in one pot with plant milk added to the veggie stock for the creamy factor.

Nutritional yeast flakes, vegan grated cheese and white miso paste provide the delicious cheesiness required for a mac and cheese.

Everything works together to create such a flavourful dish and the savoury and cheesy aromas will have you anticipating the meal even more. Its just as well this meal is ready quickly!

Recipe Notes And FAQs

How do I store and reheat leftover chilli mac?

Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat by placing in a saucepan, bringing to a simmer, and heat through until piping hot. Extra veggie stock, water or plant milk may need to be added if the sauce is very thick. Stir frequently to avoid sticking.

Any ideas what I can do with leftovers?

reheat and have on top of toast for lunch
or make a chilli mac toastie/vegan grilled cheese sandwich or quesadilla
use chilled chilli mac as a tortilla or burrito wrap filling
have a chilli mac sloppy joe
add little bits of leftovers to a pizza to make a chilli mac pizza
use small amounts of leftovers as a topping for vegan carrot hot-dogs
stuff leftovers into a baked white or sweet potato
or use as a stuffing for bell peppers, courgettes, butternut squash, large tomatoes, etc.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Simply use gluten-free pasta shapes, as well as gluten-free stock. And check that your miso is gluten-free.

What can I serve with chilli mac and cheese?

This dish is substantial enough to serve on its own but a few ideas for those extra hungry days or when you need to stretch to more portions:

garlic bread
crusty bread
mixed salad
fresh green leaves such as spinach, arugula/rocket, watercress
steamed greens
steamed veggies

What can I add to garnish the chilli mac or add extra flavour?

grated vegan cheese
extra nutritional yeast flakes
mix through a scoop of vegan soft cheese at the end of cooking
hot sauce
sprinkle of red pepper/chilli/paprika flakes
fresh chilli slices
dollop of salsa or guacamole
slices of avocado
fine diced fresh tomatoes

How To Easily Prepare Chilli Mac And Cheese:

chilli mac and cheese ingredients all added to stock-pot. — **Add pasta, green lentils, kidney beans, bell pepper, chopped tomatoes, herbs and spices to a large non-stick saucepan or pot.**

Plant milk and veggie stock added to chilli mac ingredients in the stock-pot. — **Pour in plant milk and veggie stock.**

Kale added to stock pot with chilli mac. — **Mix through kale and bring to boil.**

Chilli mac cooking in stock-pot with wooden spoon mixing. — **Simmer for 12-15 minutes.**

vegan grated cheese and nutritional yeast flakes added to cooked chilli mac in saucepan. — **Remove from heat and mix through vegan cheese, nutritional yeast and white miso** **paste**.

Chilli mac ready to serve in saucepan. — **Season with salt and black pepper to taste.**

More Tasty Traditional Vegan Family Meals

Quick Cheesy Pasta

Mexican Meatball Soup

Red Thai Veggie Curry

Slow Cooker Black Bean Chilli (with fluffy quinoa)

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