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