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Chili Mac Recipe

Chili Mac Recipe

4.8 from 22 reviews

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.

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)
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh Parsley (to garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the Chili – Cook and crumble the ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Add seasonings, tomato paste, and liquids. Simmer.
  2. Make the Mac and Cheese – Boil pasta, prepare cheese sauce, combine with pasta.
  3. Combine the Chili & Macaroni – Mix chili into macaroni and cheese sauce.
  4. 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

Keywords: Chili Mac, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe