Chili Mac

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that fills your home with warmth and smiles, look no further than this Chili Mac recipe. This delightful meal combines hearty homemade chili with creamy macaroni and cheese, making it the ultimate cozy dinner. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s perfect for game day or potlucks—just watch as it disappears in record time!

What makes this Chili Mac so special is how it brings together flavors that feel like a warm hug. It’s not just about combining two favorites; it’s about creating a meal that feels like home. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have this delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting combination of flavors, making it a hit for everyone.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it ahead of time and just reheat when you’re ready to serve, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Versatile options: This recipe is flexible! Swap out ingredients based on what you have or prefer.
• Deliciously satisfying: The rich flavors of chili combined with creamy mac and cheese create a delightful experience in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients will set you up for success with your Chili Mac. You probably already have many of them in your pantry! Here’s what you will 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 substitute beef broth)
• 1 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained

For the Mac 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 (to garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about this Chili Mac is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter option.
• Add some veggies: Toss in your favorite vegetables such as corn, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients.
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of hot sauce!
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick or mozzarella for a gooey texture.

How to Make Chili Mac

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. This step builds flavor right from the beginning!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once your beef is cooked, add in the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté these until they’re tender—around 5 minutes should do it! This process enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to your chili.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Tomatoes

Stir in the chili seasoning mix along with tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and kidney beans. Bringing everything together allows those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

In another pot, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while your chili simmers away!

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter then whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream and milk while whisking continuously until thickened. Stir in mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce before mixing in cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Finally, combine your cooked macaroni with both the chili mixture and creamy cheese sauce in one big pot! Stir gently until everything is well incorporated.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon your delicious Chili Mac into bowls or onto plates. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color! Enjoy every cheesy bite of this comforting dish—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Chili Mac

Making Chili Mac is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll take your dish to the next level!

• Use high-quality cheese: Opting for freshly grated cheddar cheese enhances the creaminess and meltability of your mac and cheese, making it even more delicious.

• Customize your spice level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add extra hot sauce or even diced jalapeños. This allows you to tailor the flavor profile to your preferences.

• Cook pasta al dente: Cooking your macaroni until it’s just firm helps prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the chili. This ensures a perfect texture in every bite.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the Chili Mac to sit for about 5-10 minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a richer taste.

• Add veggies for extra nutrition: Tossing in some chopped spinach or zucchini can enhance the nutritional value of your dish while adding color and texture.

How to Serve Chili Mac

Presenting your Chili Mac can be as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas to serve up this comforting dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop on top provides a cool contrast to the spiciness and creaminess, enhancing each bite.
• Shredded cheese: Adding extra shredded cheese on top right before serving gives an inviting look and an extra cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread makes an excellent side that pairs well with the hearty flavors of Chili Mac. Plus, it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover chili goodness!
• Garden salad: A fresh garden salad with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds brightness and balances out the richness of the main dish.
• Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli not only adds vibrant color but also introduces a nutritious component that complements the meal nicely.
• Guacamole and tortilla chips: For a fun twist, serve some guacamole with crunchy tortilla chips on the side. The creaminess of guacamole is a fantastic match for Chili Mac!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of Chili Mac that’s sure to delight everyone at your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chili Mac is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Chili Mac to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

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. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• For stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute increments until hot.
• Add a splash of milk or cream if it looks dry during reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this Chili Mac.

Can I make Chili Mac ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer as mentioned above.

What can I serve with Chili Mac?

Chili Mac pairs wonderfully with a side salad, cornbread, or even tortilla chips for added crunch!

Can I customize my Chili Mac?

Certainly! Feel free to add more veggies like zucchini or corn, or swap out the beans for your favorite type!

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy macaroni cheese combined with hearty chili makes it a hit with kids and picky eaters alike.

Final Thoughts

This Chili Mac recipe is truly special because it brings together two comforting favorites into one delightful dish. I hope you enjoy making this hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game days. Give it a try, and savor every bite—you won’t be disappointed!