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A bowl of Chili Mac topped with cheese and green onions.

Chili Mac

  • Author: Louna
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Chili Mac is a comforting casserole that blends hearty chili with creamy macaroni and cheese. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for cozy nights or easy family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, diced
  • 1 packet chili seasoning mix (1.25 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
  • 2 cups macaroni (uncooked)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until it starts to crumble (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add diced onion and cook 5 minutes until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
  4. Add bell pepper and garlic, cook for 4 minutes until softened.
  5. Stir in chili seasoning and tomato paste, cook for 1 minute.
  6. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Add kidney beans in the last 10 minutes.
  7. Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
  8. In another pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
  9. Gradually add heavy cream and milk, whisking constantly. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
  10. Add mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  11. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce until well coated.
  12. Gently stir chili mixture into the macaroni and cheese until combined.
  13. Transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar on top.
  14. Bake uncovered for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  15. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat as alternatives.
  • Blend in different cheeses like Pepper Jack for more flavor.
  • Substitute kidney beans with black or pinto beans.
  • Use beef or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or milk alternatives.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 920mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chili mac, macaroni and cheese, chili casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, kid friendly