Name: Chili Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups macaroni; 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 cups milk; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Chili Mac and Cheese is one of those cozy, comforting dishes that seems to hug you from the inside out. Growing up, it was my go-to meal for just about any occasion—especially on chilly evenings. The best part? This combination of creamy mac and hearty chili can easily be whipped up on a busy weeknight or enjoyed at a casual family gathering. With a rich melty cheese that envelops tender pasta and a zesty chili kick, it’s no wonder this recipe has earned a cherished spot in many homes.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets Chili Mac and Cheese apart from ordinary pasta dishes is its beautiful blend of flavors and textures. You get the creaminess of cheesy macaroni intermingled with the robust and spicy notes of chili. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner that’s sure to satisfy, or a heartwarming dish that kids and adults alike adore, this recipe checks all the boxes. Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly, which is ideal for families looking to stretch their grocery budget.

"This is a family favorite! It’s easy to make, and we love the rich cheese and chili combination. My kids can’t get enough of it!" – Satisfied Home Cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making Chili Mac and Cheese is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll be working with two main components: the chili mixture and the macaroni. This process involves browning beef, mixing in chili essentials, cooking the macaroni, and ultimately merging them all into a delicious, cheesy masterpiece. Below is a bird’s eye view of how to tackle this dish.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you get started, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s the list:

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups macaroni
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups milk
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Notes: Feel free to swap out ground beef for ground turkey or even make it meatless by using additional beans or lentils.

Cooking Steps

In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked.
Stir in the canned tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Let this mixture cook for about 5 to 10 minutes.
While the chili is cooking, prepare the macaroni in a separate pot according to the package directions until al dente.
Once the macaroni is cooked, add it to the chili mixture along with the chicken broth and milk. Mix everything together thoroughly.
Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it melts and combines smoothly with the other ingredients.
Allow the dish to simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve hot for a warm, comforting meal.

Best Way to Serve

Chili Mac and Cheese is versatile when it comes to serving options. You can enjoy it straight from the pot, or elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color. Consider pairing the dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. For a bit of added crunch, top servings with crushed tortilla chips or a sprinkle of extra cheese before serving.

Keeping Chili Mac and Cheese Fresh Longer

Storing your Chili Mac and Cheese is simple. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep it longer, this dish can be frozen. Just make sure to separate it into individual portions for easy reheating.

Reheating Tip: When reheating, add a splash of milk to help restore its creamy texture.

Pro Chef Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or your favorite hot pepper to the chili mixture.
If you prefer a creamier dish, you can increase the amount of cheese and milk. Just keep in mind that it may alter the thickness.
To save time, prepare the chili mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to combine it with the macaroni.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? You can give this Chili Mac and Cheese your own spin by:

Adding Veggies: Stir in some bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for a spicier kick or mozzarella for a gooey texture.
Flavored Pasta: Use different shapes of pasta or whole wheat options to fit dietary preferences.

Your Questions Answered

How Long Does It Take to Prepare?

The total cook time for Chili Mac and Cheese is usually around 30 to 40 minutes, making it a quick dinner option.

Can I Use Other Beans?

Absolutely! You can substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans, depending on your taste.

Is This Dish Freezable?

Yes, Chili Mac and Cheese can be frozen! Just store in an airtight container and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

Chili Mac and Cheese is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that warms hearts and creates memories. Whether you’re cooking it for a busy weeknight or a comforting gathering, this dish truly hits the spot. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to personalize it to make it your own!

Chili Mac and Cheese

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Beef

Description

A cozy and comforting blend of cheesy mac and hearty chili, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups macaroni
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups milk
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked.
Stir in the canned tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Let this mixture cook for about 5 to 10 minutes.
While the chili is cooking, prepare the macaroni in a separate pot according to the package directions until al dente.
Once the macaroni is cooked, add it to the chili mixture along with the chicken broth and milk. Mix everything together thoroughly.
Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it melts and combines smoothly with the other ingredients.
Allow the dish to simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve hot for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

Feel free to swap out ground beef for ground turkey or even make it meatless by using additional beans or lentils. For extra depth of flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or your favorite hot pepper.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Chili, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Dinner Recipe, Family Meal