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Comfort Chili Mac & Cheese

If you’re in search of a warm and hearty dish that brings comfort and satisfaction, look no further than this Comfort Chili Mac & Cheese! This delightful meal combines creamy macaroni and cheese with a flavorful chili, creating a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and zesty spice. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or whenever you need a little comfort food!

What makes this dish so special is the combination of textures and flavors—the creamy cheese sauce mingles beautifully with the hearty chili and tender pasta. This Comfort Chili Mac & Cheese is sure to become a favorite in your household, bringing warmth and joy to every bite

This Comfort Chili Mac & Cheese features tender macaroni tossed in a creamy cheese sauce, combined with a flavorful chili mixture, and topped with melty cheese. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

With straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up this comforting meal in no time. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!

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Exciting Story:

The first time I made Comfort Chili Mac & Cheese, it was a busy weeknight, and I wanted something hearty and filling for my family. I thought about how much everyone loves both chili and mac and cheese, and then it hit me—why not combine the two? As I prepared the ingredients, the aroma of spices and cheese filled my kitchen, making everyone eagerly anticipate dinner.

Once the dish was assembled and bubbling in the oven, my family couldn’t wait to dig in. The creamy cheese combined with the hearty chili was a match made in heaven, and the smiles on their faces said it all. This Comfort Chili Mac & Cheese has since become a go-to recipe in our home, providing warmth and comfort on those busy nights!

Why This Comfort Chili Mac & Cheese?

  • Deliciously Hearty: The combination of chili and mac and cheese makes for a filling and satisfying meal.
  • Cheesy Goodness: Creamy, cheesy sauce envelops the pasta and chili, creating an irresistible dish.
  • Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights!

How to Make Comfort Chili Mac & Cheese

  1. Cook the Chili: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Add the ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Let the chili simmer while you prepare the mac and cheese.
  2. Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Chili and Mac & Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. Then, fold in the chili mixture until everything is combined.
  5. Bake (Optional): If you prefer a baked version, transfer the chili mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Top with extra shredded cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
  6. Serve: Spoon the Comfort Chili Mac & Cheese into bowls and enjoy this hearty dish!

Tips

  • Use Different Cheeses: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor.
  • Customize the Spice: Adjust the chili powder and spices according to your heat preference.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Different Proteins: Swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian substitute like lentils or mushrooms.
  • Add Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Make a Healthier Version

  • Use whole wheat macaroni for added fiber.
  • Substitute the ground meat with a leaner option or a plant-based protein.

Closing

And there you have it! This Comfort Chili Mac & Cheese is a deliciously hearty dish that will bring joy to anyone who tries it. Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delightful meals!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How long can I store this dish?
    It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Can I freeze the leftovers?
    Yes, you can freeze the chili mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  3. What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
    You can use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, Gouda, or a cheese blend.
  4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the chili and mac and cheese separately in advance and combine them when ready to serve.
  5. How can I make it spicier?
    Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mixture for an extra kick.
  6. What if I don’t have kidney beans?
    You can substitute with black beans, pinto beans, or any other beans you have on hand.
  7. How do I reheat leftovers?
    Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it appears dry.
  8. Can I use whole grain pasta?
    Yes, whole grain or gluten-free pasta can be used as a healthier alternative.
  9. What if I want a creamier texture?
    Add a bit more milk or cream to the cheese sauce for extra creaminess.
  10. Can I add toppings?
    Yes! Top with crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor and crunch.
  11. How do I know when the chili is ready?
    It should be heated through and the flavors melded together, usually after about 10-15 minutes of simmering.
  12. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
    Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and omit the meat, adding more beans or vegetables instead.

Comfort Chili Mac & Cheese

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Alexandra Course: All Word Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

0

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • For the Chili:

  • 1 tablespoon 1 olive oil

  • 1 medium 1 onion, diced

  • 2 cloves 2 garlic, minced

  • 1 pound 1 ground beef or turkey

  • 1 can 1 (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 can 1 (15 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 1 can 1 (8 oz) tomato sauce

  • 1 tablespoon 1 chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon 1 cumin

  • 1 teaspoon 1 smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • For the Mac & Cheese:

  • 2 cups 2 elbow macaroni

  • 2 cups 2 shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

  • 1 cup 1 milk

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 butter

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 all-purpose flour

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  • Cook the Chili: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Add the ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Let the chili simmer while you prepare the mac and cheese.
  • Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Combine Chili and Mac & Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. Then, fold in the chili mixture until everything is combined.
  • Bake (Optional): If you prefer a baked version, transfer the chili mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Top with extra shredded cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
  • Serve: Spoon the Comfort Chili Mac & Cheese into bowls and enjoy this hearty dish!

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