Sweet Potato Chili Mac Bake

When the chill of autumn sets in or the winter winds start to howl, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty dish to bring comfort and satisfaction. Enter the Cozy Sweet Potato Chili Mac Bake, a delightful fusion of flavors that marries the rich, sweet essence of sweet potatoes with the bold, spicy notes of chili and the creamy goodness of macaroni. This dish not only brings warmth to your table but also serves as a nutritious meal option, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Warm up with the Cozy Sweet Potato Chili Mac Bake, a delicious blend of sweet potatoes, hearty chili, and comforting macaroni. Perfect for chilly days, this dish is nutritious, filling, and adaptable to various dietary needs. Packed with vitamins and fiber, sweet potatoes enhance the flavor while boosting health benefits. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is sure to create cozy moments around the table. Discover a comforting culinary delight that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground turkey or beef (optional for a vegetarian version, substitute with 1 can of beans)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

2 cups vegetable broth

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

8 oz elbow macaroni

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook Sweet Potatoes: In a large pot, add the diced sweet potatoes and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes or until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Brown the Meat: If using ground turkey or beef, add it to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up any lumps. If you're making a vegetarian version, skip this step.

Combine Ingredients: Add the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, cooked sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Mix in Pasta: Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the chili mixture on the skillet. Make sure everything is well combined.

Transfer and Bake: Pour the chili mac mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Sweet Potato Chili Mac Bake!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6