Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you are searching for the ultimate comfort food that perfectly blends spicy, cheesy, and hearty flavors, look no further than this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s a glorious marriage of rich, creamy macaroni and cheese with a robust, savory chili that warms you from the inside out. Every spoonful is a celebration of melt-in-your-mouth cheddar, tender pasta, and a bold chili punch, making it an irresistible dish to satisfy cravings any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe may seem like a fusion of many elements, but the ingredients are straightforward and essential. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s adding depth of flavor, creamy texture, or vibrant color to make your dish both delicious and inviting.

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean): Provides a hearty, savory base that’s perfect for the chili.
• 1 small onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and texture to balance the bold spices.
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced: Brings a fresh, slightly sweet crunch to the chili layer.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses deep aroma and a punch of flavor enhancing the chili.
• 1.25 oz packet chili seasoning mix: Or your homemade chili spices to bring bold and smoky heat.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the chili nicely.
• 8 oz tomato sauce: Adds a rich, tangy base that blends all chili flavors harmoniously.
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained): Provides texture and a burst of juiciness in the chili.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or beef broth): Helps simmer and meld the chili components smoothly.
• 15 oz can kidney beans, drained: Adds creaminess and heartiness to enrich the chili.
• 2 cups uncooked macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the thick cheese sauce.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Creates the roux base for luscious, creamy mac and cheese.
• 2 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce for that ideal smooth texture.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the cheese sauce velvety and indulgent.
• 1 cup milk: Balances richness and helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder: Adds subtle tanginess, enhancing the cheesy flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens savory notes in the cheese sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce: Kicks up the heat a notch in the cheese sauce for extra zing.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping): The star that binds everything into cheesy perfection.
• Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness on top.

How to Make Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chili

Start in a large pot over medium-high heat by cooking and crumbling the ground beef for about 2 minutes. Then add diced onions and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and onions turn soft, approximately 5 minutes. Don’t forget to drain away any excess grease so your dish won’t be too oily.

Step 2: Add Bell Peppers and Garlic

Next, toss in the diced bell peppers and minced garlic. Cook them together for about 4 minutes until they soften and release their natural flavors, building depth in the chili base.

Step 3: Stir in Chili Seasoning and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle the chili seasoning mix and add the tomato paste to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for about a minute. This step intensifies the seasoning right into the meat and veggies, making sure every bite is full of rich flavor.

Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, and Broth

Pour in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower to a simmer and partially cover the pot. Allow it to thicken gently while you move on to preparing the macaroni and cheese. Add the kidney beans during the last 10 minutes of simmering to warm through and meld flavors.

Step 5: Preheat Oven and Cook Macaroni

While your chili simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until it’s al dente, which means it’s tender but still has a little bite. Drain well so it’s ready to be generously coated by creamy cheese sauce.

Step 6: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and then whisk in the flour. Keep stirring continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually add the heavy cream and milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce base.

Step 7: Season and Melt Cheese into Sauce

Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir in mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce for an exciting flavor boost. Lower the temperature to low and slowly add your shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes luscious and silky.

Step 8: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

Gently fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated with that rich, gooey goodness. This step guarantees maximum cheesy delight in each bite.

Step 9: Mix Chili with Mac and Cheese

Now for the best part: add your prepared chili to the macaroni and cheese and stir to combine. Adjust how much chili you add depending on your taste buds — whether you want a subtle hint or a bold punch of chili flavor.

Step 10: Bake with Extra Cheese

Transfer the combined chili mac and cheese to a baking dish and sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 5 minutes or just until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly topping.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley for a lovely pop of color and a fresh hint to balance that rich, cheesy, spicy comfort meal.

How to Serve Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or even some sliced jalapeños if you want to add a fresh, bright contrast or extra heat. These garnishes not only lift the flavors but make the dish visually irresistible.

Side Dishes

Salads with crisp greens and tangy vinaigrettes create a perfect balance to this rich meal. If you want something heartier, cornbread or garlic bread complements the cheesy, spicy flavors beautifully, soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins for a party or family meal. You could also layer it in a casserole with alternating layers of chili and mac and cheese for a striped effect. Another idea is to scoop it into bell pepper halves and bake for a colorful, edible bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners during the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes well too! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw slowly in the fridge overnight for the best texture upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave until piping hot or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to revive the creamy sauce. If reheating from frozen, thaw first overnight, then warm thoroughly for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and use a plant-based protein or extra beans. You can enhance the chili flavor with additional spices and veggies for a hearty vegetarian twist.

What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is the gold standard here for its bold flavor and excellent melting quality. However, you can mix in Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?

Yes! While macaroni is traditional and holds sauce well, small shells, rotini, or penne all work wonderfully to carry the creamy cheese and chili flavors.

Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted according to your preference. The included hot sauce adds a mild kick, but you can add more or reduce it. Feel free to add some jalapeños or chili flakes for extra heat if you like things spicy.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

You can definitely cook the chili and mac and cheese separately ahead of time and combine them before baking. This method saves time and allows flavors to develop even more before serving.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe that brings a smile with every bite. Its hearty meatiness, vibrant tomato goodness, and decadent cheese sauce make it a perfect dish to share with friends and family on cozy nights. I hope you give this recipe a whirl and discover your own favorite ways to make it uniquely yours.

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