Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty chili mac, blending zesty spices with creamy pasta and ground beef. Gooey cheese and quick preparation make this dish a weeknight winner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 15 oz can kidney beans
- 1 12 oz packet chili seasoning mix
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Liquid and Canned Ingredients:
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
Mac and Cheese Base:
- 2 cups macaroni, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
Cheese:
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Create a robust chili base by browning ground beef in a spacious skillet. Introduce diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant. Incorporate chili seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, and kidney beans, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop deep, rich flavors for approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Simultaneously prepare the creamy cheese component by cooking macaroni according to package guidelines. In a separate cooking vessel, craft a smooth roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until combined. Gradually introduce heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously to eliminate potential lumps. Enhance the sauce with mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing for the final assembly. Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is thoroughly coated. Merge the cheese-coated pasta with the prepared chili, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Transfer the combined mixture into a baking dish, spreading evenly. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melted blanket. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the edges become delightfully crispy. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting the amount of chili seasoning or adding extra hot sauce for heat lovers.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed alternative.
- Reduce calorie content by using low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutrition.
- Prep ahead by making chili and cheese sauce separately, then combining and baking when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg