Description
A hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of chili with creamy mac and cheese. This Chili Mac recipe is a family favorite that is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
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 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)
Instructions
- Make the Chili – Cook and crumble the ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Add seasonings, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth. Simmer with kidney beans.
- Make the Mac and Cheese – Prepare macaroni. Make cheese sauce with butter, flour, cream, milk, and seasonings. Combine with shredded cheese and macaroni.
- Combine the Chili & Macaroni – Mix chili with macaroni.
- Bake – Top with cheese and bake until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili seasoning and hot sauce.
- For a homemade chili seasoning mix, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Chili Mac, Chili Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe
