EASY Chili Mac

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 Chili Mac is a hearty, comforting one-dish meal that combines rich, savory chili with creamy macaroni and cheese. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, satisfying weeknight dinners, or cozy family meals.



 Time & Yield

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour

  • Servings: About 6–8 servings

 Ingredients



 Chili Base

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • ½ cup bell pepper, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1.25 oz chili seasoning mix (or homemade blend)

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 8 oz tomato sauce

  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)

  • ½ cup chicken broth (or beef broth)

  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained



 Mac & Cheese

  • 2 cups uncooked macaroni

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup milk

  • ½ tsp mustard powder

  • ¼ tsp onion powder

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp pepper

  • ½ tsp hot sauce

  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese



For Topping/Baking

  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

  • Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

 Make the Chili

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot.

  2. Add diced onion and cook until softened.

  3. Stir in bell pepper and garlic; cook briefly.

  4. Add chili seasoning and tomato paste; cook 1 minute.

  5. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth; simmer to thicken.

  6. Stir in kidney beans during the last few minutes.



 Make the Mac & Cheese

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Boil macaroni until just al dente; drain.

  3. Melt butter in a separate pot and whisk in flour.

  4. Gradually add heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine.

  5. Add hot sauce, mustard powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

  6. Stir in shredded cheddar until creamy.

  7. Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.

 Combine & Bake

  1. Fold the chili into the macaroni and cheese mixture.

  2. Transfer to a baking dish and top with extra shredded cheddar.

  3. Bake about 5 minutes until cheese is melted.

  4. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

 Homemade Chili Seasoning (Optional)

  • 2 tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

 Tips & Variations

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.

  • Substitute black beans if you prefer.

  • Add jalapeños or cayenne for more heat.

  • Mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.

  • Serve with cornbread or warm dinner rolls.



Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months.

  • Reheat: Microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen.



 Approximate Nutrition (per ~1 cup serving)

  • Calories: ~247 kcal

  • Protein: ~15 g

  • Carbs: ~20 g

  • Fat: ~12 g

  • Fiber: ~3 g

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