Description
This hearty Chili Mac recipe combines two comforting classics – chili and macaroni and cheese – into one delicious dish that the whole family will love. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends.
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)
- Fresh Parsley (to garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Chili – Cook and crumble the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a pot. Add seasoning and tomato paste. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth. Simmer.
- Make the Mac and Cheese – Preheat oven. Boil macaroni. Make cheese sauce. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce.
- Combine the Chili & Macaroni – Add chili to macaroni and stir to combine.
- Bake – Top with cheddar cheese and bake until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or avocado.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Chili Mac, Chili Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food Recipe
