Chili Mac

This Chili Mac recipe combines hearty homemade chili with creamy macaroni and cheese, resulting in a delicious and satisfying dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, this meal mashup stands out with its rich flavors and comforting textures. Easy to prepare and loved by all ages, Chili Mac is a cozy dinner idea that brings everyone to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this hearty dish ready in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of savory chili and creamy mac and cheese creates a delightful taste experience.
• Versatile Meal: This dish works well as a main course or side dish, making it suitable for various occasions.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe yields 18 cups, perfect for large gatherings or leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need for this Chili Mac recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling macaroni and mixing all ingredients together seamlessly.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and sautéing vegetables to unlock their flavors.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware or affecting the taste.

Ingredients

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 sub beef broth)
• 1 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained

For the Macaroni & 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

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened.

Step 2: Add Chili Ingredients

Stir in the chili seasoning mix, tomato paste, tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and kidney beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 3: Prepare the Macaroni

While the chili simmers, cook the macaroni according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain using a colander.

Step 4: Make Cheese Sauce

In another pot over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream and milk while whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, hot sauce, and cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 5: Combine Chili and Macaroni

Once both components are ready, mix cooked macaroni into the chili mixture followed by the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine everything evenly.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon portions into bowls or plates and garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Chili Mac!

How to Serve Chili Mac

Chili Mac is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a family-friendly meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your Chili Mac experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• A simple garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty Chili Mac.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish your Chili Mac with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Serve with Garlic Bread

• Crispy garlic bread on the side complements the creamy texture of the Chili Mac perfectly, making every bite delightful.

Add Sliced Avocado

• Creamy avocado slices make for a rich addition, providing healthy fats and enhancing the overall taste.

Include Pickled Jalapeños

• For those who love some heat, pickled jalapeños can add an exciting kick to your Chili Mac.

How to Perfect Chili Mac

Perfecting your Chili Mac requires attention to detail. With these tips, you can create a bowl of comfort that everyone will love.

• Use Quality Meat: Lean ground beef (80% lean) provides great flavor without too much grease. This keeps the dish hearty yet balanced.

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking your macaroni just until it’s firm ensures it holds up well when mixed with the chili and cheese sauce.

• Mix Seasonings Well: Ensuring that your chili seasoning mix is evenly distributed helps every bite pack a flavorful punch.

• Incorporate Cheese Gradually: Adding cheese in stages allows it to melt evenly and creates a smoother, creamier texture throughout the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Chili Mac

Chili Mac pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some great options to consider for your meal:

1. Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread is a classic choice that complements the spiciness of the chili.

2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious crunch and balances out the richness of the mac and cheese.

3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a crisp texture and bright flavor that contrasts nicely with the warm Chili Mac.

4. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes provide another comforting option; top them with sour cream or butter for added richness.

5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients while enhancing your meal’s overall appeal.

6. Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad dressed in vinegar brings freshness to each bite of hearty Chili Mac.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sometimes small errors can lead to big flavor losses in your Chili Mac. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Bold seasoning choices – Skipping the seasoning or using pre-packaged mixes can dull the flavors. Always taste and adjust seasonings as you go.
• Bold overcooking pasta – Cooking the macaroni too long can make it mushy. Cook it just until al dente, since it will soften further in the sauce.
• Bold neglecting to drain beans – Not draining kidney beans can add excess liquid and dilute flavors. Always drain and rinse canned beans before adding them.
• Bold skipping the cheese blend – Using only one type of cheese may limit flavor depth. Combine different cheeses for a richer taste in your dish.
• Bold ignoring storage tips – Improper storage can spoil leftovers quickly. Follow proper storage guidelines to maintain freshness and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chili Mac in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to ensure safety.
• Use within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Chili Mac

• Allow Chili Mac to cool completely before freezing.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Chili Mac

• Bold Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place Chili Mac in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Bold Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth if it looks dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chili Mac that might help you out.

What is Chili Mac?

Chili Mac is a comforting dish that combines hearty chili with creamy macaroni and cheese, perfect for any occasion.

Can I customize my Chili Mac?

Yes! You can add vegetables like corn or zucchini or swap out ground beef for turkey or plant-based alternatives based on your preferences.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative, and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor in your Chili Mac.

How do I store leftover Chili Mac?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for longer shelf life.

Final Thoughts

Chili Mac is not only delicious but also versatile, making it an ideal meal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home. You can customize this dish easily by adding your favorite veggies or using different protein sources. Give this comforting recipe a try, and enjoy its rich flavors!