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Chili Mac

Chili Mac

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Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the savory flavors of hearty chili and the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. This easy-to-make dish features ground beef, tender pasta, and a melty cheese sauce, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings. With its rich taste and satisfying texture, everyone will love this delightful fusion! Plus, it’s customizable with your favorite vegetables or spices. Get ready to whip up a warm and inviting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • ½ cup bell pepper (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (diced)
  • 1 packet chili seasoning mix
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (can sub beef 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 each: salt/pepper
  • ½ teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened.
  3. Stir in chili seasoning mix, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and kidney beans. Simmer for about 20 minutes until flavors meld together.
  4. In a separate saucepan, bring water to a boil and cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  5. In the same saucepan used for pasta, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Gradually add heavy cream and milk while whisking continuously until thickened. Stir in mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, hot sauce, and half of the cheddar cheese until melted.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl or baking dish, combine the chili mixture with cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
  8. Bake in preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

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