Cheesy Chili Mac

Ingredients

2 cloves minced garlic

1 chopped onion

1 bell pepper

1lb. lean ground beef

28 oz can of crushed tomatoes

15 oz can of kidney beans

2 3/4 C broth (we like vegetable)

8 oz elbow macaroni

1 tsp Cayenne pepper

2 tsp Paprika

2 tsp Cumin

1.5 tsp Onion or garlic powder

1 tsp Oregano

1/2 tsp Pepper

salt to taste
Your preference of cheese

Cheesy Chili Mac

Sep 15, 2022Brian Witmer
Contributed By: Live. Life. Simple.
​​This recipe makes approximately 9 cups *

Directions:

  1. Since oil cannot be used, put a few tablespoons of broth at the bottom of large pot or large frying pan and add garlic, chopped onion and cook for a few minutes
  2. Add bell pepper and cook until onions are translucent
  3. In a separate pan cook lean ground beef and cook until browned (drain, rinse and towel to remove as much oil as possible)
  4. Take heat up to high & add ground beef back into the first frying pan and mix together then add in crushed tomatoes, remaining broth, drained kidney beans and macaroni.
  5. Add in spices and take heat down to medium for 10-12 minutes or until mac is cooked but firm, sauce should be thick, not water
  6. Add cheese if desired
  7. Line trays with Parchment or silicone mats.  Add dividers to portion
  8. Pre Freeze 
  9. Freeze Dry
  10. Store Appropriately (See Tips and Tricks for storage help)

 

Cycle time: 

Was 23hr 16min in large freeze dryer with premiere pump.

Rehydration:

For 3.9 oz serving add 1.5 C boiling water, let sit for 5 min, stir and let sit for additional 5 min.

 

* Large Tray = 8 Cups/tray   Medium = 6 Cups/Tray   Small = 4 Cups/Tray

Cycle times & rehydration for reference only. Your results may vary.

 

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Comments (1)

  • I made this last night, and it is delicious! I doubled the recipe and used 2 cans of Rotel Tomatoes and 2 cans of Tomato Sauce instead of the crushed tomatoes. I also left out the chili powder since the Rotel Tomatoes already had jalapenos int them. It made just enough for 4 medium size freeze dryer trays. I also made another recipe of it and had it for dinner. It fed 6 hungry people for dinner. Thanks for sharing this recipe. I plan to make another 4 trays to freeze dry.

    Sandra

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