Oh my goodness, let me tell you about chili mac and cheese! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the cheesy goodness of macaroni and the hearty warmth of chili. Just picture it: tender elbow macaroni coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce, with a zesty kick from the chili. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that’ll make your taste buds dance! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something cozy for yourself, this chili mac and cheese is the answer. Trust me, once you take that first creamy bite, you’ll be hooked! It’s quick to whip up and even easier to devour. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish together!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious chili mac and cheese! Make sure to gather everything before you start, so you can dive right into the cooking process!
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 can (15 oz) chili (your choice of meat or vegetarian)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp for extra flavor)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
- 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to adjust the seasonings depending on your taste. I love adding a little extra garlic powder for a punch of flavor! And don’t forget the salt and pepper; they really bring everything together. Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Chili Mac and Cheese Instructions
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delicious chili mac and cheese! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time. Trust me, it’s easier than it looks!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. You’ll want about 4-6 quarts of water for 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in the macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 7-8 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it tender but with a little bite! Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Making the Chili Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s all bubbly and fragrant, sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder, stirring them together for about a minute to release their flavors. Now, add in the can of chili and 1 cup of milk, stirring until everything is combined and warmed through. The magic happens next—gradually mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a creamy sauce. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
Combining Ingredients
Now for the fun part! Take your cooked macaroni and gently fold it into the chili cheese sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta is well-coated in that glorious cheesy goodness. Give it a taste, and don’t be shy about adding a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the flavors. If you want a little heat, this is the moment to toss in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chili mac and cheese is truly a winner, and here’s why you’re going to adore it just as much as I do!
- It’s quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- One pot means less cleanup; hooray for that!
- It’s hearty and filling, making it a comforting meal for any occasion.
- Customize it with your favorite toppings or spice levels to make it your own.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser—great for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Once you give it a try, I promise it’ll become a go-to recipe in your household!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your chili mac and cheese turns out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t skimp on the cheese—using high-quality sharp cheddar really amps up the flavor and creaminess. If you love a little kick, feel free to adjust the spice levels by choosing a spicier chili or adding some crushed red pepper flakes. And here’s a little trick: if your cheese sauce seems too thick, just stir in a splash more milk until you reach that dreamy, creamy consistency. Also, keep in mind that the flavors develop as it sits, so if you can, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, this little extra step is worth it! Happy cooking!
Variations of Chili Mac and Cheese
One of the best things about chili mac and cheese is how adaptable it is! You can easily customize this dish to suit your taste or to use up what you have in your pantry. For starters, try swapping out the cheddar cheese for a blend of pepper jack and mozzarella for a creamy, spicy twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, add in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers, corn, or even spinach for an extra boost of nutrition and color. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes—shells or rotini work beautifully and hold onto that cheesy sauce just as well! And if you want to make it a bit more indulgent, top it with crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs before a quick bake for a crunchy topping. The possibilities are endless, so have fun mixing it up!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into this delicious chili mac and cheese, keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
Always feel free to adjust ingredients to suit your dietary needs! Enjoy every comforting bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about your chili mac and cheese? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you out.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chili mac and cheese ahead of time by cooking the pasta and making the sauce. Just combine everything, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture!
Can I freeze chili mac and cheese?
Yes, you can freeze chili mac and cheese! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat on the stovetop or in the oven. You might want to add a little extra milk to keep it creamy!
What can I add for extra flavor?
There are so many ways to amp up the flavor of your chili mac and cheese! Consider adding toppings like diced green onions, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream for a refreshing twist. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also mix in some cooked ground beef or turkey for added protein, or toss in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
Chili mac and cheese is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a few tasty accompaniments! I love serving it alongside a fresh green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette to balance out the richness. You can’t go wrong with some warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that cheesy sauce, either! For extra flair, consider topping your chili mac with sliced avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or even some crunchy tortilla chips for a satisfying texture. These simple additions will elevate your meal and make it truly unforgettable!
For more delicious recipes, check out this baked mac and cheese recipe or this creamy garlic pasta recipe for more comfort food inspiration!
Print
Chili Mac and Cheese: 5 Comforting Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chili mac and cheese is a comforting dish that combines pasta, chili, and cheese for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) chili
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and mix in garlic powder and onion powder.
- Add the chili and milk to the saucepan, stirring until combined.
- Mix in the shredded cheese until melted.
- Combine the macaroni with the chili cheese mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot chili.
- Add diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Top with additional cheese before baking for a cheesy crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: chili mac and cheese, comfort food, pasta dish
