Chili Mac Recipe
	
	
		A comfort food classic, Chili Mac combines two beloved dishes – hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese – into one delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy night in or to feed a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Rita
 
							- Prep Time: 20 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 45 minutes
 
							- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
 
							- Yield: 6 servings 1x
 
							- Category: Main Dish
 
							- Method: Baking, Simmering
 
							- Cuisine: American
 
							- Diet: Vegetarian
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			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)
 
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
 
For Garnish:
- Fresh Parsley (to garnish)
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Make the Chili – Cook and crumble the ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Add seasonings, tomato paste, and liquids. Simmer.
 
- Make the Mac and Cheese – Boil pasta, prepare cheese sauce, combine with pasta.
 
- Combine the Chili & Macaroni – Mix chili into macaroni and cheese sauce.
 
- Bake – Top with cheese and bake until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- You can customize the level of heat in the chili by adjusting the amount of hot sauce or using a spicier chili seasoning mix.
 
- Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, sliced jalapenos, or diced avocado before serving.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 serving
 
							- Calories: 650
 
							- Sugar: 5g
 
							- Sodium: 970mg
 
							- Fat: 35g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 19g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
 
							- Trans Fat: 1g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 48g
 
							- Fiber: 4g
 
							- Protein: 35g
 
							- Cholesterol: 125mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: Chili Mac, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe