Chili Mac

If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty dish that brings a smile to everyone’s face, you’ve come to the right place! This Chili Mac recipe is a delightful mashup of two classic favorites: chili and macaroni and cheese. It’s a dish that warms the soul, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting family gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Chili Mac, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and versatility. You can whip it up in about an hour, making it ideal for those hectic evenings or game day feasts. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness combined with zesty chili flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this dish in advance, so you can enjoy more time with your loved ones.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or feeding a crowd at a potluck, Chili Mac fits the bill.
• Customizable: You can easily modify ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Chili Mac. Most of these are probably already in your pantry or fridge!

For the Chili Base

• 1 lb. 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 substitute 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 adaptable it is! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some corn or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace meat with lentils or black beans for a hearty plant-based version.
• Spice it up: 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 skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion and bell pepper to the pan. Sauté them until they soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it enhances their natural sweetness and builds flavor for our chili base.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart as you go. This ensures even cooking and helps infuse those lovely vegetable flavors into the meat.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Stir in the minced garlic along with your chili seasoning mix. Cook for another minute until fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing! This step adds depth to our Chili Mac.

Step 4: Mix in Tomato Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and kidney beans. Stir everything together well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

While your chili simmers away, let’s make that creamy mac and cheese! In another pot over medium heat, melt butter then whisk in flour until bubbly—this will create a roux. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk until smooth and thickened.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Cook your macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain well. Add cooked pasta into your cheese sauce along with mustard powder, onion powder, salt/pepper, and hot sauce—mix well until every piece is coated.

Step 7: Assemble Everything Together

Gently fold your creamy macaroni mixture into the simmering chili base in one big pot. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top; let it melt beautifully as everything heats through.

Step 8: Serve Up!

Once everything is heated nicely together, serve up generous portions garnished with fresh parsley! Enjoy your comforting bowl of Chili Mac—a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth to any table!

Pro Tips for Making Chili Mac

Making Chili Mac is a breeze, but a few helpful tips can make your dish even more delicious and enjoyable!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavors of your Chili Mac. This will give your dish a vibrant taste that frozen or canned items can’t match.
• Customize the spice level: Adjust the hot sauce and chili seasoning to suit your family’s taste. This way, everyone can enjoy a bowl without overwhelming their palate.
• Cook pasta al dente: Cooking your macaroni just until it’s firm will ensure it holds up well during baking. This prevents mushy pasta and keeps each bite satisfying.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your Chili Mac to sit for about 5-10 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Plus, it makes serving easier!
• Make it ahead of time: Prepare the Chili Mac in advance and store it in the fridge. It reheats well, making it perfect for busy nights or potlucks.

How to Serve Chili Mac

Chili Mac is not only hearty and comforting but also visually appealing when served right! Here are some fun ideas to present this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the cheese.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt balances the spiciness of the chili while adding a creamy texture that enhances every bite.
• Shredded cheese: Extra cheddar on top just before serving creates a gooey, melty layer that’s hard to resist!

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This sweet and fluffy bread pairs perfectly with chili dishes, offering a delightful contrast in flavor and texture.
• Simple green salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes provides a light counterpart to the hearty Chili Mac. Toss in a vinaigrette for extra zest!
• Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers not only vibrant color but also essential nutrients, making your meal balanced and wholesome.
• Garlic bread: Crispy garlic bread is always a hit! Serve it alongside for dipping into any leftover chili sauce—it’s an irresistible combination.

Now you’re all set to whip up this scrumptious Chili Mac! Enjoy gathering around the table with family and friends as you dig into this comforting dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chili Mac is perfect for meal prep, making it a fantastic option for those busy weeks when you want something delicious ready to go. Here’s how to store it properly to keep it fresh and tasty!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Chili Mac to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the Chili Mac into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. For best quality, consume within a month.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen Chili Mac in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• For stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that may help you while preparing your Chili Mac.

Can I make Chili Mac ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Chili Mac ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for later use.

What goes well with Chili Mac?

Chili Mac pairs beautifully with a side salad, cornbread, or crusty bread for dipping. It’s versatile enough to complement various sides!

How can I make my Chili Mac healthier?

Consider using whole grain pasta and adding more vegetables like zucchini or spinach into the chili mixture.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! This Chili Mac is a hit with kids due to its cheesy goodness and hearty flavor. You can adjust spice levels as needed.

How long does cooked Chili Mac last in the fridge?

Cooked Chili Mac lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love making this comforting bowl of Chili Mac as much as I do! It’s not just a meal but a warm hug on a plate that brings everyone together. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, potluck, or simply enjoying it on your own, it’s bound to please any crowd. So roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy every cheesy bite!