Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole, and this Chili Mac and Cheese combines two beloved dishes into one delightful meal. As soon as I prepared this for my family, I knew I had a winner on my hands. The rich, spicy chili mingles perfectly with creamy macaroni and cheese, creating a hearty dish that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. My kids couldn’t get enough of it, and I loved that it was a one-pot meal that didn’t require hours of preparation. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.

Ingredients

For the Chili:

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.25 oz packet chili seasoning mix (or use homemade seasoning; see notes)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
• 15 oz can kidney beans, drained

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 2 cups uncooked macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

For Baking:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chili:

1. Cook the Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef for about 2 minutes. Add diced onions and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add Vegetables: Add the diced bell peppers and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the peppers are softened, about 4 minutes.
3. Season the Chili: Stir in the chili seasoning mix and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute to bloom the spices.
4. Add Liquids: Pour in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover partially and let it thicken while you prepare the macaroni and cheese. Add the kidney beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Prepare the Mac and Cheese:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Boil Macaroni: Begin boiling salted water in a large pot for the macaroni. Once boiling, add the macaroni and cook until al dente, then drain.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisking continuously for about 2 minutes. Gradually pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth.
4. Season the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in the mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Continue stirring to combine, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Add Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Then, add the drained macaroni, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce.

Combine Chili and Mac and Cheese:

1. Mix Together: Gently fold the prepared chili into the macaroni and cheese, stirring until well combined. You can adjust the amount of chili based on your preference.

Bake:

1. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the additional shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Bake: Bake uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 520
• Total Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 28g

Preparation Time

• Total Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm in bowls.
• Top with additional shredded cheese.
• Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
• Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

1. Make It Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili for an extra kick.
2. Use Leftover Chili: If you have leftover chili, mix it directly into the macaroni and cheese for a quicker meal.
3. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor.
4. Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with lentils or black beans for a meat-free version.
5. Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for quick lunches or dinners.

Recipe Variations

• Mexican Chili Mac: Add corn and swap cheddar cheese for a Mexican blend cheese.
• BBQ Chili Mac: Use BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Creamy Chili Mac: Add cream cheese to the cheese sauce for an even creamier texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with cornbread for a traditional touch.
• Pair with tortilla chips for a crunchy side.
• Offer a variety of toppings, such as green onions or crushed tortilla chips.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chili seasoning is gluten-free.
3. Can I use canned chili instead of making my own?
   Absolutely! Just mix in the canned chili with the macaroni and cheese.
4. How do I make this dish vegetarian?
   Replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chili and macaroni separately and combine them before baking.
6. How long can I store leftovers?
   Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. Can I use other types of cheese?
   Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheese types to suit your taste.
8. What can I serve with this dish?
   It pairs well with salads, cornbread, or garlic bread.
9. How do I reheat the dish?
   Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave.
10. Can I add more vegetables?
    Definitely! Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach.

Conclusion

Chili Mac and Cheese is the perfect combination of comfort food that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Its creamy, cheesy texture paired with the robust flavors of chili creates a meal that is not only filling but also enjoyable to eat. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a potluck gathering, this dish is bound to impress. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it a regular in your meal rotation!

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