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Chili Mac

Chili Mac

A hearty combination of homemade chili and creamy macaroni and cheese, baked together with melted cheddar on top. This comfort food classic feeds a crowd and makes excellent leftovers.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Chili Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 packet (1.25 oz) chili seasoning mix
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans drained and rinsed
Mac and Cheese Ingredients
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper each
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
For Topping
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
  • Large saucepan
  • Oven-safe baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  2. Add bell pepper and garlic to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in chili seasoning and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
  3. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in kidney beans during the last 10 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  5. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk until smooth.
  6. Bring sauce to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Add mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese until melted. Add drained macaroni and toss to coat.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine chili and mac and cheese in the larger pot, stirring gently. Transfer to an oven-safe dish if needed.
  8. Sprinkle remaining 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

  • Shred cheese from a block for better melting than pre-shredded varieties
  • Chili can be made 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated
  • Don't overcook the macaroni as it continues cooking when combined with hot chili
  • Beans are optional and can be omitted if preferred