This Chili Mac recipe brings together the rich flavors of homemade chili and creamy macaroni and cheese, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings. With its hearty nature and comforting texture, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will love.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of chili seasoning and melted cheddar creates an irresistible taste experience.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for various occasions, from cozy weeknight dinners to festive potlucks.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, it’s a great option for families looking to save without sacrificing flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness makes it appealing even to picky eaters.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Chili Mac experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing spoon
- Baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for cooking the macaroni evenly while allowing enough space for stirring.
- Skillet: Perfect for browning the ground beef and sautéing vegetables to enhance their flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chili Base
- 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)
For Garnish
- Fresh Parsley
How to Make Chili Mac
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
1. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened.
Step 2: Prepare the Chili Mixture
Add chili seasoning mix, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and kidney beans to the beef mixture.
1. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
2. Allow it to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In another saucepan:
1. Melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour until smooth.
3. Gradually add heavy cream and milk while whisking continuously.
4. Stir in mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, hot sauce, and half of the cheddar cheese until melted.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Drain the cooked macaroni and mix it with the chili mixture in a baking dish.
1. Pour cheese sauce over everything.
2. Stir gently until well combined.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
1. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
2. Bake for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot!
Enjoy your delicious Chili Mac!
How to Serve Chili Mac
Chili Mac is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, consider these serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
Toppings
- Shredded Cheese: Add an extra layer of melted cheddar on top for a creamy finish.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can balance the spices and add a cool contrast.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the chili flavors beautifully.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread pairs perfectly with the hearty chili mac.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Salad: A light green salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish.
Presentation Ideas
- In Individual Bowls: Serve in individual bowls for a more personal touch at gatherings.
- Garnished with Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added color and flavor.
How to Perfect Chili Mac
Creating the perfect Chili Mac involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Bold Seasoning: Use homemade chili seasoning for a fresher and more robust flavor profile.
- Quality Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook your macaroni until just al dente, as it will soften further when baked.
- Layering Flavors: Allow the chili to simmer longer for deeper flavors before mixing it with macaroni.
- Adjust Consistency: If too thick, add more chicken broth or milk for desired creaminess.
Best Side Dishes for Chili Mac
Pairing side dishes with Chili Mac enhances your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for mopping up sauce and adds a crunchy texture.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides crunch and balances the rich flavors of chili mac.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These sweet fries offer a delightful contrast to the savory chili mac.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad makes for a sweet and refreshing side option.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad complements the hearty nature of chili mac well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Chili Mac, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish significantly. Here are some pitfalls and how to steer clear of them:
- Bold seasoning: Not using enough chili seasoning can result in a bland dish. Make sure to follow the recommended amounts or adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Bold overcooking pasta: Cooking macaroni too long can lead to mushy noodles. Aim for al dente texture since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Bold neglecting texture: Failing to balance textures may make your Chili Mac unappealing. Incorporate crunchy toppings like breadcrumbs or fresh herbs for contrast.
- Bold ignoring cheese quality: Using low-quality cheese can affect flavor and meltability. Opt for freshly shredded cheddar for the best results.
- Bold skipping garnishes: Not adding a garnish may make your Chili Mac look less inviting. Fresh parsley or green onions add color and freshness to the final dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Chili Mac
- Use a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion.
- Best consumed within 2-3 months for best flavor and texture.
Reheating Chili Mac
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or water if necessary to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Chili Mac that might help you further.
What is Chili Mac?
Chili Mac is a comforting dish that combines hearty chili with creamy macaroni and cheese, creating a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Chili Mac?
Yes! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative while maintaining great flavor in your Chili Mac.
How can I customize my Chili Mac?
Feel free to add different vegetables like corn or zucchini, or swap out the beans based on your preference for added variety in your Chili Mac.
Can I make Chili Mac ahead of time?
Certainly! Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake and serve.
Final Thoughts
Chili Mac is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and warmth with every bite. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various ingredients, making it suitable for family dinners or gatherings. Try this delicious recipe today and discover how easy it is to create an unforgettable dish!
Chili Mac
Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food that combines the bold flavors of hearty chili with creamy macaroni and cheese. This one-pot dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in. Packed with protein from ground beef and kidney beans, and enriched with a rich cheese sauce, this dish promises to delight taste buds of all ages. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck or enjoying it at home, Chili Mac is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion
- ½ cup bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cups macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in chili seasoning mix, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and kidney beans. Let simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Cook macaroni in a large pot until al dente; drain.
- Prepare cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, then gradually adding cream and milk until smooth. Stir in spices and half the cheddar until melted.
- Mix cooked macaroni with chili mixture in a baking dish; pour cheese sauce over top and combine gently.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Top with remaining cheddar and bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added spice, consider incorporating jalapeños or hot sauce into the chili mixture. Substitute ground turkey if you prefer a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Feel free to add vegetables like corn or zucchini for extra nutrition.
