Description
A hearty and comforting dish that combines classic chili with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with melted cheddar for an irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
- 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:
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef for 2 minutes. Add onions and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Add bell peppers and garlic, cooking until softened (about 4 minutes).
- Stir in chili seasoning and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover partially, allowing it to thicken while you prepare the macaroni and cheese. Add kidney beans during the last 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Begin boiling salted water for the macaroni. Once boiling, add macaroni and cook until al dente, then drain.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisking continuously for 2 minutes. Gradually add heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and add mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth. Add drained macaroni, stirring to coat.
- Combine Chili and Mac and Cheese:
- Add the prepared chili to the macaroni and cheese, stirring to combine. Adjust the amount of chili to your preference.
- Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
Feel free to use homemade chili seasoning for a personal touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg