Chili Mac

This Chili Mac and Cheese recipe combines hearty homemade chili with creamy macaroni and cheese, creating a delicious meal mashup perfect for dinner, potlucks, or game day gatherings. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, Chili Mac is sure to become a family favorite that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of savory beef, zesty chili seasoning, and creamy cheese creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether you serve it as a main dish or as a side at gatherings, this Chili Mac fits any occasion seamlessly.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks or game day parties, this recipe yields plenty to feed a hungry crowd.
• Comfort Food Classic: This dish brings warmth and satisfaction, making it the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools listed below.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for boiling macaroni and preparing large quantities of chili mac efficiently.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and sautéing vegetables, helping to enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
• Cheese grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged varieties, ensuring a creamy texture in your mac and cheese.

Ingredients

For this delicious Chili Mac recipe, gather the following 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)

To Garnish

• Fresh Parsley

How to Make Chili Mac

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Stir occasionally until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix in Seasoning

Stir in chili seasoning mix, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, and kidney beans. Allow to simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Macaroni

In another pot, bring salted water to boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.

Step 5: Prepare Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream and milk while stirring constantly until thickened.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Mix cooked macaroni into the chili mixture along with cheese sauce. Stir until everything is combined well and heated through.

Step 7: Serve

Transfer Chili Mac to serving bowls or a large dish. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.

Enjoy your deliciously comforting bowl of Chili Mac!

How to Serve Chili Mac

Chili Mac is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to suit different occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or a game day gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Fresh Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions for freshness and a pop of color.
• Shredded Lettuce: Add shredded lettuce for a crunchy texture that complements the warm dish.

As a Casserole

• Baked Chili Mac: Transfer the dish to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly for a comforting casserole twist.
• Layered Chili Mac: Layer chili mac with extra cheese and crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

With Cornbread

• Cornbread Muffins: Serve individual cornbread muffins on the side for a classic pairing that soaks up all the flavors.
• Skillet Cornbread: Bake cornbread in a skillet for a crispy edge and flavorful crust.

How to Perfect Chili Mac

Perfecting Chili Mac involves attention to detail and some handy tips. Here are some pointers to elevate your dish:

• Bold Seasoning: Use homemade chili seasoning for deeper flavor. Combine spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
• Quality Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-packaged for better melting and taste.
• Creamy Consistency: Adjust the heavy cream and milk to achieve your desired creaminess without making it too runny.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure macaroni is cooked al dente so it holds its shape when mixed with the chili.
• Simmer Longer: Allow the chili to simmer longer before mixing in pasta for richer flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Chili Mac

Pairing side dishes with Chili Mac can enhance the dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the mac and cheese.
3. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans provide nutrition and color on your plate.
4. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing offers a tangy contrast to the warm chili mac.
5. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges can serve as a hearty side that pairs well with the spiciness of the dish.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings sweetness that complements the savory flavors of chili mac.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will ensure your Chili Mac turns out delicious every time. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Using the wrong pasta: Always choose macaroni for this dish. Other pasta types may not hold the sauce as well, affecting the texture.
• Overcooking the beef: Cook ground beef until it’s just browned. Overcooking can lead to a dry and chewy texture, so monitor it closely.
• Neglecting seasoning: Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning throughout cooking. This is key to achieving a balanced flavor profile in your Chili Mac.
• Skipping the cheese layer: Don’t forget to mix in plenty of cheese! Skipping this step can result in a bland dish lacking creaminess.
• Not letting it rest: Allow your Chili Mac to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Chili Mac

• Freeze in a suitable freezer-safe container.
• Best eaten within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Chili Mac

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chili Mac.

What is Chili Mac?

Chili Mac is a comforting dish that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with hearty chili, offering a delightful mashup of flavors.

Can I use turkey instead of beef in Chili Mac?

Yes! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground beef if you prefer a lighter option while still maintaining great taste.

How can I customize my Chili Mac?

You can add vegetables like corn or zucchini or swap out cheeses based on your preference. Spice levels can also be adjusted by adding more hot sauce or chili powder.

Is Chili Mac good for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats easily, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays.

Final Thoughts

Chili Mac is not only comforting but also versatile enough to suit any occasion, whether it’s dinner at home or a potluck with friends. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or spices. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the hearty goodness!