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Easy Chili Mac Recipe

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This Easy Chili Mac recipe combines the rich flavors of chili with creamy mac and cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish. Made with ground beef, kidney beans, and a blend of seasonings, this meal is both hearty and flavorful. The mac and cheese, made with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, perfectly complements the robust chili. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chili:

  • 1 lb. ground beef, 80% lean
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • ½ cup bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, diced
  • 1.25 oz. packet chili seasoning mix (or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 8 oz. tomato sauce
  • 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
  • 1 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained

Mac and Cheese:

  • 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

For Baking:

  • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Fresh parsley, to garnish

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chili:
    • Cook ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
    • Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
    • Stir in chili seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
    • Add kidney beans and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
    • Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
    • In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
    • Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk. Add mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
    • Continue to cook until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
    • Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.
  • Assemble and Bake:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Mix the prepared chili with the mac and cheese.
    • Transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded cheddar cheese.
    • Bake for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For homemade chili seasoning, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://elianarecipes.com/easy-chili-mac-recipe/