Spicy & Comforting: Chili Ziti Recipe for a Weeknight Win!
Chili and pasta – two comfort food titans colliding in one unbelievably delicious dish! This Chili Ziti recipe takes the hearty warmth of chili and blends it seamlessly with the satisfying chew of ziti pasta. It’s a flavor explosion that’s perfect for chilly evenings, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. Get ready to ditch the same old boring pasta dishes and embark on a culinary adventure with this crowd-pleasing Chili Ziti.
Why You’ll Love This Chili Ziti Recipe
* **Comfort Food Bliss:** This recipe is the definition of comfort food. The rich chili sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
* **Easy to Make:** Don’t let the deliciousness fool you – this recipe is surprisingly easy to make! It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a party, this Chili Ziti is guaranteed to be a hit. Everyone loves chili, and everyone loves pasta, so combining them is a recipe for success.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level, add different vegetables, or substitute different types of meat to suit your preferences.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a big batch and freeze it for later! This Chili Ziti reheats beautifully, making it a convenient meal option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:
* **1 pound Ziti Pasta:** Ziti is the classic choice for this dish, but you can substitute other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even macaroni.
* **1 tablespoon Olive Oil:** Used for sautéing the vegetables and ground beef.
* **1 large Onion, chopped:** Adds a savory base flavor to the chili.
* **2 cloves Garlic, minced:** Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **1 pound Ground Beef:** Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease. You can also substitute ground turkey or ground chicken.
* **1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped:** Adds sweetness and color to the chili.
* **1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped:** Adds a slightly bitter and earthy flavor to the chili.
* **1 (15-ounce) can Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed:** Adds a hearty and earthy flavor to the chili, also great for fibre.
* **1 (15-ounce) can Black Beans, drained and rinsed:** Adds a slightly sweeter and milder flavor to the chili.
* **1 (28-ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes:** Forms the base of the chili sauce.
* **1 (15-ounce) can Tomato Sauce:** Adds richness and depth to the chili sauce.
* **1 cup Beef Broth:** Helps to thin out the chili and add flavor.
* **2 tablespoons Chili Powder:** The key ingredient for that classic chili flavor.
* **1 teaspoon Cumin:** Adds a warm and earthy flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon Oregano:** Adds a slightly sweet and herbaceous flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional):** Adds a kick of heat. Adjust to your spice preference.
* **Salt and Pepper to taste:** To season the chili.
* **2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** For topping the Chili Ziti before baking. You can also use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby Jack.
* **Optional Toppings:** Sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado, cilantro, or your favorite chili toppings.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Pot or Dutch Oven:** For cooking the chili.
* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the cooked pasta with the chili.
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For baking the Chili Ziti.
* **Colander:** For draining the pasta.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this delicious Chili Ziti:
**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite.
* Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
**Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef**
* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**
* Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the browned ground beef.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the chopped red and green bell peppers to the pot.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are slightly softened, about 3-5 minutes.
**Step 4: Add the Beans and Tomatoes**
* Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans to the pot.
* Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pot.
* Stir to combine all of the ingredients.
**Step 5: Add the Broth and Spices**
* Pour the beef broth into the pot.
* Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot.
* Stir to combine all of the ingredients.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.
**Step 6: Simmer the Chili**
* Bring the chili to a simmer over medium heat.
* Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
**Step 7: Combine Pasta and Chili**
* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the chili.
* Stir to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the chili sauce.
**Step 8: Assemble and Bake**
* Pour the chili pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chili ziti.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chili ziti is heated through.
**Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!**
* Remove the Chili Ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with your favorite chili toppings, such as sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado, or cilantro.
* Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
* **Spice it up:** If you like your chili extra spicy, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use a hotter variety of chili powder.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger. You can also add more vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
* **Add different beans:** Experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto beans, great northern beans, or cannellini beans.
* **Use different cheeses:** Try different cheeses for topping the Chili Ziti, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses.
* **Add some sweetness:** For a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or molasses to the chili.
* **Make it in a slow cooker:** You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
* **Add a secret ingredient:** A square or two of dark chocolate, added during the simmering process, gives a depth of flavor that will elevate your chili. Don’t worry, it won’t taste like chocolate!
* **Don’t overcook the pasta:** Ensure the pasta is cooked *al dente*, as it will continue to cook in the oven with the chili. Overcooked pasta will result in a mushy final product.
* **Let the chili simmer:** Resist the urge to rush the simmering process. The longer the chili simmers, the richer and more developed the flavors will be.
Serving Suggestions
This Chili Ziti is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:
* **Serve with a side salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Chili Ziti.
* **Serve with cornbread:** Cornbread is a classic pairing with chili. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture complements the savory chili perfectly.
* **Serve with garlic bread:** Garlic bread is another great side dish option. Its buttery and garlicky flavor pairs well with the chili.
* **Set up a toppings bar:** Let your guests customize their Chili Ziti with a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, and hot sauce.
Storage Instructions
* **To Store:** Leftover Chili Ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **To Reheat:** Reheat Chili Ziti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it seems dry.
* **To Freeze:** Chili Ziti can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
* **Calories:** Approximately 500-600 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
* **Protein:** 30-40 grams
* **Fat:** 20-30 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 50-60 grams
*Please note that the nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*. Always calculate independently if this is critical for dietary needs.
Conclusion
This Chili Ziti recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a hearty and comforting meal that will warm you from the inside out! This dish is a fantastic way to use up leftover chili, turning it into a brand new and exciting dish. It’s also a great way to introduce kids to chili, as the pasta makes it more approachable and fun.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Chili Ziti! This recipe is a true testament to the power of combining simple ingredients to create something truly special.