Print Recipe

Chili Mac Recipe

A hearty blend of macaroni, ground beef, kidney beans, and zesty chili seasonings, this Chili Mac is a comforting, one-pot meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 8 oz. tomato sauce
• 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes undrained
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained
• 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 salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded (for baking)
• Fresh Parsley to garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
   In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and let it cook for about 2 minutes, using a spatula to crumble it as it starts to brown. Toss in the diced onions and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes. You’re aiming for a nice brown on the beef and softened onions. Once done, drain any excess grease to keep things from getting too oily.

2. Step 2: Add the Veggies
   With your beef and onions ready, it's time to add the bell peppers and garlic. Let them cook together for around 4 minutes. You're looking for those bell peppers to soften and release their lovely aroma while mingling with the garlic.

3. Step 3: Season and Thicken
   Sprinkle in the chili seasoning mix and add the tomato paste. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is nicely coated. Let it cook for about a minute—just enough time for the spices to wake up and blend with the ingredients.

4. Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
   Stir in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Make sure everything is well combined, then bring it to a boil. Once it's bubbling, lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially, letting it simmer for a while as you prepare the macaroni and cheese. Don’t forget to toss in the drained kidney beans towards the last 10 minutes of simmering.

5. Step 5: Preheat Oven and Boil Pasta
   Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C), perfecting the timing for when you need to bake. As the oven warms, fill a pot with salted water and bring it to a boil for the macaroni.

6. Step 6: Cook the Macaroni
   Once your water is bubbling away, add the macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions until just al dente. This usually takes about 8–10 minutes. Once done, drain it and set aside, keeping in mind it will finish cooking in the oven.

7. Step 7: Make the Cheese Sauce
   In a Dutch oven or large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to foam a bit, which takes about a minute. Whisk in the flour, making sure to stir continuously for 2 minutes to avoid lumps.

8. Step 8: Add Dairy and Seasonings
   Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring as you go, followed by the milk in the same gradual manner. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Stir in the hot sauce and seasonings, combining them thoroughly. Lower the heat to keep everything warm.

9. Step 9: Incorporate Cheese
   While keeping the heat on low, gradually sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce. Stir constantly until it's all melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

10. Step 10: Combine Macaroni with Cheese
    Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta in the luscious cheese mixture.

11. Step 11: Mix in the Chili
    Now, take the chili and fold it into the cheesy macaroni. Use a silicone spatula to gently combine everything, ensuring those flavors meld together beautifully.

12. Step 12: Top with Cheese and Bake
    Once mixed, sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese over the top. Transfer the pot or dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 5 minutes, just until that cheese melts into a gooey layer of perfection.

13. Step 13: Garnish and Serve
    When ready, take it out of the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bit of color and freshness. Dive in and enjoy this comforting, cheesy delight with your loved ones!

Notes

Navigating through a chili mac recipe can sometimes trip up even the most seasoned cooks. One common mishap? Forgetting to drain the grease after browning the beef, which can lead to a greasy dish. Remember, a quick tilt of the pot and a spoon can save the day!

It's also easy to overcook the macaroni. Aim for just al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. If it's too soft, it might lose its lovely, chewy texture.

Another pitfall is rushing the cheese sauce. Patience is key! Gradually adding the cheese prevents clumping, allowing for a smooth, velvety finish.

Lastly, don't skimp on that final cheese bake. Melting it to perfection makes all the difference! Keep these tips in mind, and your chili mac will be a comforting masterpiece every time.