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This hearty Chili Mac and Cheese has become my weeknight dinner hero. It combines the best of two comfort food classics into one irresistible meal that always leaves everyone asking for seconds. The combination of spiced beef chili with creamy, cheesy pasta creates the ultimate one-pot wonder.
I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick but satisfying. Now it's requested at least twice a month, especially when friends come over unexpectedly since it stretches beautifully to feed a crowd.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: the leaner the better for less grease but still plenty of flavor
- Onion and bell pepper: providing essential aromatic base and adding nutrients
- Garlic cloves: fresh is always best for that irreplaceable punch of flavor
- Canned crushed tomatoes: forms the base of our sauce save the premium brands for recipes where tomato is the star
- Kidney beans: adds protein and that classic chili texture choose low sodium if watching salt intake
- Elbow macaroni: the perfect shape for trapping sauce in every bite
- Beef broth: enhances the meaty flavor throughout the dish
- Cheese: preferably a mix of sharp cheddar and monterey jack for the best melt and flavor
- Homemade chili spice blend: creates that authentic chili flavor without artificial ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté The Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat then add your minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for just a minute before adding the bell pepper. Continue cooking until the onion becomes translucent which creates the flavor foundation for the entire dish. The vegetables should soften but not brown too much.
- Brown The Beef:
- Add ground beef to the pot with the aromatics and cook thoroughly breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Make sure to continue breaking apart any chunks until you have an even texture throughout. The beef should completely change from pink to brown before moving to the next step.
- Build The Chili Base:
- Once beef is browned add all remaining ingredients except the cheese. This includes your crushed tomatoes kidney beans beef broth uncooked pasta and all spices. Stir everything well to combine ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a simmer then reduce heat to medium and cover the pot.
- Cook The Pasta:
- Let everything cook covered for about 12 minutes checking occasionally to stir and prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente meaning just cooked but still with a slight firmness. The mixture should still be somewhat saucy at this point which is exactly what you want.
- Create The Cheesy Finish:
- Turn off the heat completely but keep the pot on the stove for residual cooking. Stir in half the cheese while the mixture is still hot allowing it to melt into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover again for about 2 minutes until melted and gooey.
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My favorite part of this dish has to be watching the cheese melt into those perfect stretchy strands when serving. It reminds me of my grandmother's special Sunday dinners where comfort food brought everyone together around the table no matter how busy the week had been.
Make Ahead Tips
This chili mac freezes exceptionally well making it perfect for meal planning. The key is to slightly undercook the pasta if you plan to freeze portions. Let the dish cool completely before portioning into freezer containers. When reheating add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry as the pasta will have absorbed more liquid during storage.
Customization Options
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can easily swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten things up. Vegetarians can replace the meat with extra beans or crumbled plant based protein. The cheese can be adjusted too try pepper jack for extra heat or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile. Even the pasta shape can be changed just be sure to adjust cooking time for larger shapes.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is certainly complete on its own I love serving it with simple sides that complement without competing. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich main dish. Warm cornbread makes the perfect accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce. For a fun presentation consider serving in bread bowls or topping with avocado sour cream and extra cilantro for a taco inspired variation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can increase the cayenne pepper or add additional chili powder for extra heat. Adjust based on your preference.
- → Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken, turkey, pork, or even lamb as a substitute for ground beef.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for best results.
- → Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze leftovers after cooling. For make-ahead options, slightly undercook the pasta, cool the dish, add cheese, and freeze. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
- → What are good cheese substitutions?
You can use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite melty cheese blend. Experiment to find what you love!
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, skip the beef and use plant-based ground meat or additional beans and vegetables for a vegetarian option.