Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for chili mac and cheese! It’s the ultimate comfort food that takes me back to cozy evenings spent with family, gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as we dug into this hearty dish. The creamy, cheesy goodness paired with the warmth of chili creates a dish that’s simply irresistible. Honestly, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a game day feast, chili mac and cheese is always a winner in my book. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Chili Mac and Cheese
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious chili mac and cheese! I promise these ingredients come together to create a comforting, cheesy masterpiece that you’ll want to make again and again.
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 ounces) chili (your favorite brand works beautifully!)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (get ready for that melty goodness!)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% is best for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for that extra creamy texture)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
These simple ingredients come together for a dish that’s not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Make sure to gather everything before you start – it makes the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Chili Mac and Cheese
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this scrumptious chili mac and cheese! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll love how it all comes together. Just follow these steps for a cozy meal that’ll warm your heart!
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the 8 ounces of elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse—those starches help the sauce stick!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large pot, combine the cooked macaroni and the 15-ounce can of chili. Make sure to stir well so the macaroni is coated in that delicious chili goodness. This is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Add Creamy Elements
Now it’s time to make it creamy! Add 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it’s all combined and smooth. Yum!
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Next, stir in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring over medium heat until the cheese is melted and everything is beautifully combined. The aroma is going to be amazing!
Step 5: Serve Hot
Finally, serve your chili mac and cheese hot! For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top or add your favorite hot sauce for a kick. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Tips for Success with Chili Mac and Cheese
Want to take your chili mac and cheese to the next level? Here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t be shy about mixing up the cheese—try using pepper jack for a spicy twist or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor. Also, if you like a little crunch, consider topping it with crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs before serving. And here’s a little secret: if you want to make it even heartier, toss in some black beans or corn when combining the ingredients. Trust me, these simple tweaks make a world of difference!
Variations of Chili Mac and Cheese
Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your chili mac and cheese! If you want to add some veggies, try tossing in diced bell peppers, corn, or even spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. Feeling adventurous? Add some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or swap out the chili for a turkey or chicken version for a lighter take. You can also change up the spices—try a sprinkle of cumin or smoked paprika to deepen the flavor. And don’t forget about adding toppings! Crushed tortilla chips or a sprinkle of crispy bacon can elevate this dish to a whole new level. Get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information for Chili Mac and Cheese
Now, let’s talk numbers! This chili mac and cheese serves up about 450 calories per cup, with 20 grams of fat and 18 grams of protein to keep you feeling satisfied. You’ll also get around 50 grams of carbs in each serving. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the deliciousness packed into this hearty dish!
FAQ About Chili Mac and Cheese
I know you might have a few questions about making this chili mac and cheese, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones! First, can you store leftovers? Absolutely! Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot. What if you don’t have certain ingredients? No worries! You can substitute the cheddar cheese with any cheese you like or even use a dairy-free option. And if you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works great too. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and filling, thanks to the combination of pasta and chili.
- Rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and ingredients.
- A family-friendly dish that’s sure to please everyone!
Chili Mac and Cheese: 5 Comforting Ways to Indulge Today
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chili mac and cheese is a hearty dish combining pasta, cheese, and chili.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 ounces) chili
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a large pot, combine the cooked macaroni and chili.
- Add milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer.
- Top with chopped green onions for extra flavor.
- This dish can be made in advance and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 18 grams
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: chili mac and cheese
