Chili Mac & Cheese: A Hearty, Homemade Hug in a Bowl

Ready for a Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe Adventure?

Ever have one of those days where only ultimate comfort food will do? honestly, those days are, like, every other day for me.

That's where this chili mac and cheese recipe comes in. picture this: creamy, cheesy mac with a hefty kick of savory chili.

We are going to make one of the best comfort food recipes you can think of.

Why This Chili Mac Recipe Rocks

This isn't just any old mac and cheese. think of it as beef chili mac and cheese but with a serious upgrade.

This recipe is inspired by american classics. it is packed with flavor and seriously satisfying. this is a total food hug in a bowl.

Plus, it's simple enough for a weeknight dinner. no need to spend hours in the kitchen!

What's the Deal?

This cheesy chili pasta bake takes about an hour. a super easy recipe for 6-8 people to enjoy. we're talking about a hearty meal perfect for chilly evenings, game days, or just when you need a pick-me-up.

It's a great source of protein and fiber. ideal for a skillet chili mac .

Easy Weeknight Dinners ? Sorted.

Listen up, you can totally get away with using this as a one skillet meals if you really want to! also, this recipe uses only a handful of simple ingredients.

Think ground beef, beans, cheese, and pasta. everything that is a family favourite! what makes it special? it is the combination of two amazing dishes that is a win-win situation.

You can also have it with ground beef recipes if you like.

The Stars of the Show: Ingredients.

Ready to get started? Here's what you'll need... (Ingredient list to follow!)

Chili Mac & Cheese: A Hearty, Homemade Hug in a Bowl Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/vegetarian ground)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 cup beef broth or water
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)
• Diced green onions (optional topping)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional topping)
• Hot sauce (optional topping)

Instructions:

• In a large pot, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until softened. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth (or water) to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
• While the chili simmers, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain well.
• In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in salt and nutmeg (if using). Add 3 cups of cheddar cheese and 3/4 cup of Monterey Jack cheese; stir until melted and smooth.
• Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Pour the mac & cheese into the pot of chili and gently stir to combine.
• Spoon into bowls and top with remaining cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack, green onions, sour cream, and hot sauce (if using).

Nutrition Facts

Calories:600-750

Fat:30-40g

Fiber:5-8g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Alright, so you're buzzing to get started on this killer chili mac and cheese recipe ? awesome! here's the lowdown on what you'll need.

Honestly, this is comfort food recipes made simple. so don't stress if you're not a whiz in the kitchen. we're making a cheesy chili pasta bake together!.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

For the beef chili mac and cheese , we need quality ingredients, yeah? Here's the list with all those fancy measurements. Don't skimp on the cheese, it makes all the difference.

• Chili Base:
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) - Use good stuff for better flavor!
  • Onion: 1 large (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves (approx. 2 teaspoons / 6g)
  • Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) - Look for a good lean-to-fat ratio.
  • Red bell pepper: 1 (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
  • Kidney beans: 1 can (15 ounce/425g), drained
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (15 ounce/425g), undrained
  • Tomato paste: 1 can (6 ounce/170g)
  • Chili powder: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
  • Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
  • Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml)
  • Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) - Only if you like it hot!
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (5ml), to taste
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml), to taste
  • Beef broth: 1 cup (240ml)
• Mac & Cheese Magic:
  • Elbow macaroni: 1 pound (450g)
  • Butter: 6 tablespoons (85g)
  • All-purpose flour: 1/3 cup (40g)
  • Whole milk: 3 cups (720ml)
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml)
  • Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) - Optional, but adds a nice warmth.
  • Cheddar cheese: 4 cups (400g), shredded
  • Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup (100g), shredded

Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up

Seasoning is key! chili powder and cumin are a must for that classic chili flavour. smoked paprika adds a lovely depth.

Don't forget the salt and pepper!. for the mac and cheese with chili beans , nutmeg is your secret weapon.

It elevates the creaminess. if you're feeling adventurous, chuck in a bay leaf to the chili while it simmers.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

You really don't need fancy kit for this skillet chili mac . a big pot (or dutch oven), a saucepan, and a colander are your main players.

A whisk is handy for the cheese sauce. i mean, who doesn't love one skillet meals ?

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Large saucepan
• Colander
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater

Look, honestly, a wooden spoon can sub for a whisk in a pinch. and if you don't have a grater? just buy pre-shredded cheese.

No judgement here! remember, this chili mac recipe is all about having fun and making something yummy, even on easy weeknight dinners .

Ground beef recipes are always a winner in my book.

Crafting the Ultimate Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Honestly, who doesn't love a good comfort food recipe ? today, we're diving headfirst into a bowl of pure happiness: chili mac and cheese .

This isn't just any mac and cheese; we're talking about a beef chili mac and cheese that's gonna knock your socks off.

It's a one skillet meal! trust me, it's the perfect easy weeknight dinner and great ground beef recipe.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, let's get organised. chop your onion and bell pepper. mince that garlic like you mean it! get your beans rinsed and cheese shredded.

Having everything ready saves so much time, you know?

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Chili Mac Magic

1. Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a pot over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat. Nobody likes greasy chili!
2. Add your chopped onion and bell pepper and cook 'til softened. This takes about 5- 7 minutes .
3. Stir in that glorious garlic , chili powder , cumin , paprika , oregano , salt , and pepper . Cook for 1 minute . Let those spices bloom, baby!
4. Dump in the kidney beans , diced tomatoes , tomato paste , and beef broth . Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat. Cook for at least 20 minutes . The longer it simmers, the better the flavor, trust me.
5. While the chili's doing its thing, cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni . Drain it.
6. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a pan. Whisk in 1/3 cup of flour . Cook for 2 minutes to make a roux.
7. Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk . Stir constantly 'til it thickens. Remove from the heat and stir in 3 cups of cheddar and 3/4 cup of Monterey Jack until melted.
8. Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Pour it all into the chili and gently combine.

Secret Weapons: Pro Tips for Epic Chili Mac

Add a splash of milk to your cheese sauce if it's too thick. Honestly, sometimes that happens! Don't overcook the macaroni. Nobody wants mushy mac.

Skillet chili mac : use an oven-safe skillet, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 350° f ( 175° c) for 10- 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

It's like a cheesy chili pasta bake, totaly bomb!

The Heart of Comfort Food

So there you have it, my friend! a hearty, flavour-packed chili mac and cheese recipe ready to bring smiles and full bellies.

Enjoy your dish, and don't forget to put on some good tunes while you're at it. cheers!

Recipe Notes to Noodle Over

Alright, let's talk about the nitty-gritty of this chili mac and cheese recipe . honestly, this isn't brain surgery, but a few little tweaks can make a huge difference.

This recipe is one of those comfort food recipes that is also one of the best easy weeknight dinners .

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation Ideas

Okay, so presentation does matter. think about layering your beef chili mac and cheese in a cool bowl. a sprinkle of extra cheese? always a good shout.

Diced green onions for a pop of colour? absolutely. a dollop of sour cream? you know it. you can also try adding some hot sauce if you want to increase the spiciness.

On the side? i love a simple green salad. it cuts through the richness. or, you know, some good ol' garlic bread.

A pint of your favorite lager will be the perfect addition to your meal. don't forget your one skillet meals can be both rustic and elegant.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Leftover chili mac recipe ? lucky you! pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days .

Reheating is easy. microwave it or heat it gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Freezing? yeah, you can , but be warned. the pasta might get a little soft. if you're going to freeze it, let it cool completely first.

Then freeze in individual portions. thaw overnight in the fridge. then reheat.

Variations: Swappin' and Changin'

Feeling adventurous? Add some roasted veggies to the chili mac . Sweet potatoes or butternut squash would be amazing in the fall.

For a dietary twist, try using gluten-free pasta. You can even use plant-based ground meat. You'd be surprised at how good this chili mac and cheese recipe can be when adapted.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel for the Soul

Okay, let's be real. this isn't exactly a salad. but it is packed with protein and carbs. essential nutrients, right? you can reduce the fat by using leaner ground beef or turkey.

It is an important source of fibre and many micronutrients.

The ground beef is rich in protein and iron, while the cheese contributes calcium. Beans add fiber, which helps with digestion.

So, go forth, and create a delicious, personalized version of the chili mac and cheese recipe . This cheesy chili pasta bake will be worth it.