Chili Mac

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that brings the family together, look no further than this Chili Mac recipe! It’s the perfect blend of hearty homemade chili and creamy macaroni and cheese. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lively gathering, Chili Mac makes for an easy dinner idea that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation.

What I adore about this recipe is its versatility. You can whip it up for casual family dinners or serve it at potlucks and game days. Everyone appreciates that cheesy goodness combined with the robust flavors of chili. It’s comfort food at its best!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can have dinner ready in no time!
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this delicious blend of flavors.
• Great for make-ahead meals: You can prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat when you’re ready to eat.
• Comforting flavors: The combination of chili and mac and cheese is undeniably satisfying on those chilly evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to bring this Chili Mac to life! You likely already have many of these staples in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chili

• 1 lbs. ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• ½ cup bell pepper (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (diced)
• 1.25 oz. packet chili seasoning mix (see notes for homemade seasoning)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 8 oz. tomato sauce
• 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• ½ cup chicken broth (can sub beef broth)
• 1 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained

For the Macaroni and Cheese

• 2 cups macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon each: salt/pepper
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

To Garnish

• Fresh Parsley

Variations

One of the best things about Chili Mac is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some corn, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Change the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique twist.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add jalapeños or increase the hot sauce for an extra kick.

How to Make Chili Mac

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion and bell pepper first. Sauté them until they soften and become fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. This step adds depth to your dish by building flavor from the very beginning!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Next, toss in the ground beef along with the minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned all over, breaking it apart with your spatula as you go. This process ensures that all those delightful flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Add Seasoning and Tomatoes

Once your beef is browned, sprinkle in the chili seasoning mix along with tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and kidney beans. Stir everything together well! Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so all those rich flavors develop.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

While your chili simmers away, bring another pot of salted water to boil for the macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—this usually takes around 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt butter before whisking in flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture for about a minute before gradually adding heavy cream and milk while whisking continuously until smooth.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to combine! Stir in mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, hot sauce, and cheddar cheese into your creamy mixture until melted and smooth. Finally, add your cooked macaroni into this cheesy goodness followed by mixing it into your chili pot.

Step 7: Serve Up Your Chili Mac!

Spoon generous portions into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired! Enjoy every cheesy bite—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Chili Mac

Making Chili Mac can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you have a few pro tips up your sleeve!

• Prep your ingredients ahead of time: Having all your veggies chopped and ingredients measured out can save time during cooking and help everything come together smoothly.

• Use fresh spices: Fresh chili seasoning can greatly enhance the flavor of your dish. If you’re making your own mix, consider using freshly ground spices for maximum taste.

• Cook pasta al dente: Since the pasta will continue to cook when mixed with the chili, cooking it just under al dente ensures it doesn’t become mushy by the time everything is combined.

• Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is delicious, mixing in other varieties like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add an exciting twist to your mac and cheese.

• Let it sit before serving: Allowing your Chili Mac to rest for about 5-10 minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together, making every bite even more delightful.

How to Serve Chili Mac

Serving Chili Mac is all about creating an inviting and hearty presentation that encourages everyone to dig in! Here are some ideas to elevate your meal.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens up the dish visually but also adds a refreshing taste that complements the rich flavors.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top provides a cooling contrast to the spiced chili, enhancing both texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly with Chili Mac, offering a satisfying side that’s easy to prepare.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette adds freshness to balance out the hearty main dish.
• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a classic pairing that complements the spiciness of the Chili Mac beautifully while adding a comforting touch.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious boost, adding color and crunch without overpowering the main course.

Now that you’ve got all these tips and serving suggestions up your sleeve, it’s time to enjoy this delicious blend of chili and macaroni goodness! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chili Mac is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious Chili Mac.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover Chili Mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

• To freeze, transfer cooled Chili Mac into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the containers as it may expand when frozen.
• It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen Chili Mac in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through.
• Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Have questions about this delicious recipe? Here are some common ones!

Can I use a different type of pasta for Chili Mac?

Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as shells or penne. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.

How long does it take to make Chili Mac?

This recipe takes approximately 60 minutes from start to finish, making it quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough for any occasion.

Can I make Chili Mac vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or omit it altogether. You can also add more beans or vegetables for extra heartiness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Chili Mac recipe as comforting and delightful as I do! It’s a wonderful blend of flavors that brings everyone together around the table. Whether it’s game night or just a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to please. Enjoy making it and share your experience with friends and family. Happy cooking!