Description
Chili Mac is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that marries hearty homemade chili with creamy macaroni and cheese. Perfect for any gathering—from game day parties to cozy family dinners—this easy recipe is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds. The rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a go-to favorite, while the one-pot preparation means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with loved ones. With its customizable ingredients, you can tailor this dish to suit your taste, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- ½ cup bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1.25 oz chili seasoning mix
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 cups macaroni (uncooked)
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in chili seasoning mix, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
- Mix in kidney beans and uncooked macaroni; stir well.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour; gradually add heavy cream and milk until thickened.
- Fold the cheese sauce into the chili mixture; season with mustard powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
- Serve immediately or transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg