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Home » Gluten-free Chili Mac (dairy-free & keto option)

Gluten-free Chili Mac (dairy-free & keto option)

by Adrienne 43 Comments Published January 21, 2014 Updated: Jan 05, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links from which I will earn a commission. Learn more in our disclosure.
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collage of gluten free chili mac in pan and in a bowl with wooden spoon
hands holding gluten free chili mac with dairy free cheese in bowl
hands holding gluten free chili mac with dairy free cheese in bowl

This Gluten-free Chili Mac is a super easy dinner that the whole family will love! It comes together in one pan, and has a dairy-free option too!

gluten free chili mac in white bowl with spoon

I am always looking for easy healthy meals like our Pakistani Kima, Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets, Low Carb Shepherd's Pie, Homemade Hamburger Helper, and Oven Barbecued Chicken. and this One Pan Egg Roll in a Bowl.

So you know I was thrilled to get this Healthy Chili Mac Recipe from Tessa of Tessa Domestic Diva. I love Tessa's selection of healthy, attractive, and special diet friendly recipes (she's got a beautiful site as well.)  I hope you enjoy this post by Tessa as she shares with us some quick, easy, and healthful options for getting dinner on the table---FAST!  

I can’t tell you how many times people around me have lamented how they wish they had more time to cook and put wholesome dinners down for their family every night.

Regardless of your time constraints: it IS possible.  

The key is pre-planning and picking the right recipes that cook quickly or in a crock-pot while you’re away managing your busy day.

Take a moment to organize yourself!  You will be saving yourself loads of money AND eating more healthy, wholesome foods than the grab and go fare you find in most grocery stores.

Best of all, you get to control what goes into your food.  Let me show you how!  With a little practice, this process of pre-planning should not take more than 30 minutes (unless you’re like me and adore pouring through recipe sources for pleasure!)

gluten free chili mac being prepared in pan

Tips for Easy Meals

1.  I have a post on how to menu plan to help you learn how to get the ball rolling.

2.  Check your pantry, fridge, and freezer to take stock of items that need to be used up.

3.  Pick your recipes.
  Avoid recipes that have long cooking times or loads of prep work, save these for weekend cooking when you may have more time.

4.  Make a grocery list
.  Whatever recipes you pick, make a corresponding grocery list to pick up the things you do not already have on hand.  As I mentioned in my above menu-planning post, I keep pre-printed grocery lists on hand for this.  I group the foods I need by type and have them on my list in the order I hit them in my favorite store.

5.  Grocery shop with your list in hand.  STICK TO IT to ensure you are only spending money on items you’ll use. We do this as a family (even with all the "bumps" shopping with kids entails).  You may prefer to do it alone.  An organized list helps you move through the store efficiently, and I give my older kids jobs to help the process.

6. Enjoy your newfound health and freedom!  It feels good to feed your family well, and it is entirely possible and worth it.  Less stress is better for your body too…but I didn’t need to tell you that, did I?!

Here are some quick and easy recipes to get you started.

Recipe Notes

  • For tips on peeling garlic, see the Easiest Way to Peel Garlic.
  • I used diced tomatoes, but pureed them w/ my immersion blender first.  The puree hides the big chunks of tomatoes that my kids won’t eat.
  • Here is a great place to buy beef broth. Also, here are some tips for making bone broth. This Homemade Veggie Broth works as well.
  • For gluten-free noodles, I used Tinkyada Brown Rice Elbows. Use veggie noodles, spaghetti squash or these noodles for a low-carb option.)
  • TIP: Add any additional vegetables to this.  I bet bell peppers, carrots, spinach, or cabbage would all be good!
  • If you would like to top with garnishes, avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, fresh lime, shredded cabbage are all great options.
  • Grain-free Option: can be made grain-free using Konjac or another grain-free noodle.

hands scooping gluten free chili mac into bowl with wooden spoon

hands scooping gluten free chili mac into bowl with wooden spoon

Healthy Chili Mac (gluten free)

This Gluten Free Chili Mac is a breeze to make and tastes great--it's sure to become a family fave that you'll want in your meal rotation!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Entree, Side Dish
Cuisine: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo
Keyword: gluten free chili mac
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp coconut oil
  • 1 onion (finely diced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 pound ground beef (or any ground meat)
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 14.5 oz canned tomatoes (pureed or crushed; about 1 can)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tsp oregano
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder (or to taste)
  • 2 1/2 cups gluten-free noodles (uncooked)
  • 1/2 cup dairy-free cheddar cheese (or favorite cheddar; omit for paleo. This DF Cheddar Powder looks like a great option.)

Instructions

  • Preheat a 10-12" skillet with a tight fitting lid over medium heat.
  • Add the oil.
  • Add the onions and saute until soft, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Crumble the ground meat and add in the garlic, stirring to break the meat up.
  • When browned, add in tomato paste, canned tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, and chili powder.  Stir to combine.
  • Mix in the noodles.  Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and cover.  Cook until the noodles are al dente, about 7-10 minutes.  The noodles will continue to soak up liquid as it sits, so don’t worry if it seems thin at first.
  • Stir in cheddar shreds until melted.  Serve with preferred garnishes.
Tried this recipe?Mention @wholenewmom or tag #wholenewmom!

More Quick and Easy Meals:

Quick & Easy 2 Ingredient Pulled Pork

2-Ingredient Pulled Pork

Fish Amandine

Fish Amandine

Warm Chicken BLT Salad

Warm Chicken BLT Salad

Creamy Ham & Potato Soup

(not low carb)

Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

"Clean Out the Fridge Pasta"

(use vegetable noodles for a low carb dish)

Easy Past Dinner

Easy and Yummy Bean Dip

(everyone asks for this recipe -- not low carb but delicious!)

Vegan Black Bean Dip - gluten-free, healthy, easy, whole30, dairy-free, low fat

Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets

These Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets taste like you've spent a lot of time on them, but they're ready lickety-split! And they're allergy-friendly too. Dairy and egg-free with gluten-free option.

Indian Lentils

(ready in as little as 9 minutes - not low carb)

This lentil recipe is ready in a flash - in as little as 9 minutes! When you don't know what's for dinner, this lentil curry bean dish is a great healthy standby that is a great kid-friendly meal as well.

What is YOUR favorite super quick meal?

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About Adrienne

Adrienne Urban is the Founder and Owner of Whole New Mom. She has a background in research, journalism, insurance, employee benefits, financial markets, frugal living, and nutrition. Seeking a better life for herself and her family, she uses research and consults with many physicians and other practitioners to find solutions to the variety of issues they have dealt with including life-threatening food allergies and thyroid and adrenal concerns. WholeNewMom.com is the result of her experiences and knowledge gained throughout the process. Posts are reviewed and verified by the Whole New Mom team.

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    Recipe Rating




     

  1. newbie

    November 27, 2012 at 10:01 pm

    Perhaps I was to cook the pasta before putting it in the chili?
    This is a Brown Rice Fusili and it expanded outrageously big! I'll try a different pasta next time. Flavor was better before adding the liquid. I also probably should have added more chili powder.

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      November 27, 2012 at 10:15 pm

      No, but I think that's a healthier option. :).

      Reply
  2. Newbie

    November 27, 2012 at 5:16 pm

    Im cooking it this minute! Had to test some and it was delicious but my tinkyada fusili needs lots more liquid and longer cooking! So far I've had to add 30oz of creamy tomato soup and 2 more cups beef broth. ,

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      November 27, 2012 at 5:17 pm

      Hmm...wonder why??

      Reply
  3. kristy

    October 26, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    Love all your recipes Tessa!! This is a great round-up. So helpful!

    Reply
  4. Mrs. iHB

    June 15, 2012 at 2:00 am

    Recipe looks really yummy and easy! We will have to give this a try soon! I bet it freezes well also!

    Reply
  5. Andy

    May 14, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    The Chili Mac sounds good, I'm going to put it on my list to try this week.

    Reply
  6. April

    May 02, 2012 at 7:48 am

    Excellent post, Tessa, with some wonderful hints and tips and links to some very delicious recipes! I really like your Healthy Chili Mac too!

    Reply
  7. Me and My Sweets

    May 01, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    Yummie! I just found your blog on Foodie Friday. I'll host my own party every month called My Sweet Party and I would love you to join. Please visit my blog for mor info.

    https://meandmysweets.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/my-sweet-party-chocolate-cake-love.html

    Have a nice day!

    Johanna

    Reply
  8. Jill

    May 01, 2012 at 5:37 am

    Great recipe there - sounds healthy and tasty!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    https://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  9. Aimee - ItsOverflowing

    April 28, 2012 at 11:28 pm

    Totally Perfect!!!
    XO, Aimee

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      April 29, 2012 at 3:07 pm

      Thanks....I hope to be by this coming week!

      Reply
  10. Maria

    April 27, 2012 at 10:54 pm

    This chili sound so yummy. I love the tips for creating menus. I don't do it as often but every so often, I focus in cooking using what's on the pantry without buying anything else until I use it all, and have come up with some great recipes!

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      April 27, 2012 at 11:03 pm

      I cook that way too. Luckily I had the ingredients for this one in my pantry the other night. Changed it up a little but it was good!

      Reply
  11. Miz Helen

    April 27, 2012 at 6:02 pm

    Your Chili Mac looks awesome. Hope you have a great week end and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
  12. Barb

    April 27, 2012 at 7:39 am

    I switched to eating mostly Paleo for myself this week while still cooking regular real food for my family. I wanted to get the wheat out of my diet to see if that would help with my nasal congestion. It's working! The nasal congestion is better, and I have more energy. I'm chronicling my changes at my new local food/cooking blog: frugallocalkitchen.com/blog/

    I like that you mentioned the meals that are freezer-friendly. In these busy times of baseball and soccer, while I love cooking, I can't always cook a full meal. Though, I do need to make a little extra time for the short-cuts to help me save time in the long run.

    Reply
  13. Tessa Domestic Diva

    April 26, 2012 at 6:32 pm

    Glad you liked it, Lea, a family hit here too! And a mommy hit for being easy!

    Reply
  14. LeaG

    April 25, 2012 at 7:00 pm

    Just made this for dinner, so good, huge hit! I didn't have elbow shapes so I broke up the last of 2 boxes of spaghetti noodles and called it chili spaghetti. Thanks for posting it!

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      April 25, 2012 at 7:27 pm

      You're welcome! I plan to make it myself soon as well!

      Reply
  15. Amber

    April 24, 2012 at 10:20 pm

    Great guest post Tessa! You know I love all your recipes!! Always winners in our house.

    Hugs,
    --Amber

    Reply
  16. Western Warmth

    April 24, 2012 at 7:51 pm

    Mmm, this sounds yummy. My daughter has celiac disease and we all eat Tinyada pasta. It's good, huh?! Thanks for posting this recipe. I pinned it on pinterest!

    Reply
  17. Tessa Domestic Diva

    April 24, 2012 at 4:34 pm

    too true Alea! The irony right? I try and explain to that to my husband when he wants to eat out...I can have the food on the table quicker than the time it would take to go to a restaurant or wait for delivery!

    Reply
  18. Alea

    April 24, 2012 at 2:27 pm

    Great tips for serving your family healthy food. I find the pay off is worth the little bit of extra effort involved in cooking healthy food from scratch and when I cook fast and easy meals like you've shared I can do it in less time than it takes to heat a boxed pizza in the oven.

    Reply
  19. Tessa Domestic Diva

    April 24, 2012 at 11:33 am

    You're certainly welcome Elsa!

    Reply
  20. Elsa

    April 24, 2012 at 7:55 am

    Your Chili Mac sounds delicious! I love your tips on getting organized. I follow similar steps as well and it does save money, time, and especially frustration since I'm usually shopping with little kids. Thanks so much for sharing with the Hearth and Soul!

    Reply
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adrienne author of whole new mom blog

Welcome! I'm Adrienne, and I'm here to show you that Healthy Living Doesn't Have to Be Hard! Here, you'll find basically everything you need to make healthy living doable--healthy & easy flexible recipes, tips for clean beauty and a natural home, essential oils, beginner gardening tips, and more. Learn more about me here.

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