Description

Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food, combining the hearty flavors of chili with the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings. With its rich blend of spices and textures, this crowd-pleaser is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, you’ll find yourself making this delicious Chili Mac again and again. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep, yielding a generous portion that can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
1 small onion (diced)
½ cup bell pepper (diced)
3 cloves garlic (diced)
8 oz tomato sauce
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
½ cup chicken 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 (to garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat if necessary.
Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and kidney beans.
Simmer for about 20 minutes to meld flavors.
Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
In another pot, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour until combined.
Gradually add heavy cream and milk while whisking until smooth; then stir in mustard powder and shredded cheese until melted.
Combine cooked macaroni with the chili mixture; serve garnished with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize by adding more vegetables such as corn or zucchini. Adjust spice levels by incorporating more hot sauce or chili powder based on your preference.