Description
Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of homemade chili with creamy macaroni and cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks and game day celebrations. With its savory blend of ground beef, beans, and melty cheese, Chili Mac will become your go-to recipe when you crave something satisfying yet simple to make. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also easy to customize with your favorite toppings and sides. Whip up this one-pot meal for a deliciously filling dinner that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, diced
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cups macaroni (uncooked)
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break apart with a wooden spoon.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in chili seasoning mix, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, and kidney beans.
- Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream and milk until thickened. Stir in mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
- Combine cooked macaroni with chili mixture and cheese sauce; mix well.
- Serve immediately or transfer to a baking dish topped with extra cheese and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop/Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Customize spice levels by adjusting the amount of hot sauce. Add more vegetables like zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavor profiles.