20 Minute Lentil Chili Mac
This 20-Minute Lentil Chili Mac is a quick, easy, and comforting vegan meal. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 390kcal
Cost: $7
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (2 cups), cooked al dente
- 15 ounces brown lentil beans drained and rinsed (1 can) (approx. 420g)
- 2 cups tomato juice or tomato sauce add more if you want saucier (approx. 480ml)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin add more or less depending on smokiness
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 - 2 teaspoons chili powder add more or less depending on spiciness
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups vegan cheddar cheese (shredded), add more on top if you want, can melt on top as well (approx. 240ml to 360ml)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Stir in the pasta and cook it according to the package directions, until al dente.
- Drain and rinse the lentil beans, set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, in a large pot add the tomato juice/sauce, spices and raise the heat and bring the liquid to a low boil.
- Add the lentil beans and cooked pasta to the tomato mixture and mix together.
- Add the cheese and stir it throughout the pasta.
- To serve, choose your choice of toppings: sliced avocado, fresh cilantro or parsley, sliced green onions, vegan sour cream, black olives, green chiles, etc.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. For a spicier chili mac, add more chili powder.