Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: chili mac and cheese! Imagine creamy, gooey cheese hugging every elbow noodle, with a spicy kick that just makes your taste buds dance. This dish takes me back to cozy nights in my mom’s kitchen, where the aroma of bubbling cheese and savory spices would fill the air. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and it’s so easy to whip up! Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want it on repeat. It’s the perfect blend of cheesy goodness and zesty chili flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Are you ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s do it!
Ingredients for Chili Mac and Cheese
To create this mouthwatering chili mac and cheese, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a flavor punch! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (perfectly al dente for that nice bite!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing and adding richness)
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey if you want a lighter option)
- 1 onion, diced (this adds a lovely sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans (the star of the show for that chili flavor)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (for a zing of heat!)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I like sharp cheddar for that extra kick)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (to spice things up!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (always essential for seasoning)
Feel free to get creative with your cheese choices or toss in some extra veggies if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s all about what makes your taste buds happy!
How to Prepare Chili Mac and Cheese
Making chili mac and cheese is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be the most rewarding 30 minutes of your day! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a creamy, cheesy dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. You want them cooked just right—al dente is key here, as they’ll continue to cook a bit when mixed with the other ingredients. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add 1 pound of ground beef, along with 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook everything until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Trust me, the aroma will be heavenly!
- Next, stir in 1 can of chili beans and 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so those flavors meld beautifully together.
- Once your macaroni is ready, drain it and add it straight into the skillet with the chili mixture. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
- Now, it’s time for the best part! Sprinkle in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Stir until the cheese melts into that creamy, dreamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!
And there you go! You’re just a few simple steps away from enjoying this comforting bowl of chili mac and cheese. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week!
Nutritional Information for Chili Mac and Cheese
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of this decadent dish! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. For a serving size of 1 cup, you can expect about 450 calories, which is pretty reasonable considering how satisfying it is. You’ll also get:
- Fat: 20g (with 10g of that being saturated fat)
- Protein: 25g (hello, hearty meal!)
- Carbohydrates: 45g (perfect fuel for your day)
- Fiber: 5g (thanks to those chili beans!)
- Sugar: 4g (just a hint of sweetness)
- Sodium: 800mg (so keep that in mind if you’re watching your salt intake)
With all that cheesy goodness, this chili mac and cheese is a delightful meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or comfort. Enjoy it guilt-free!
Tips for Success
To make sure your chili mac and cheese turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few handy tips up my sleeve! First, don’t rush the cooking of the macaroni—aim for that perfect al dente texture so it holds up in the creamy sauce. If you want a little extra heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when you mix in the chili beans. Also, feel free to experiment with different cheeses! A mix of cheddar and pepper jack can give you a nice flavor twist.
And remember, as tempting as it is to dive right in, let it sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps everything meld together beautifully and makes for a creamier bite. Trust me, patience is key when it comes to the best chili mac and cheese!
Variations of Chili Mac and Cheese
One of the best things about chili mac and cheese is how versatile it is! You can easily mix things up to keep your taste buds excited. For instance, swap out the cheddar for a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and pepper jack for a spicy twist. Or, how about adding some creamy cream cheese into the mix? It melts beautifully and gives that extra richness!
If you’re looking to sneak in some veggies, toss in some diced bell peppers or corn when you add the chili beans. Zucchini or spinach also makes for a great addition, giving you a little more nutrition without sacrificing flavor. And for those who like it really spicy, don’t be shy about throwing in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. The options are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious chili mac and cheese ready to go, let’s talk about how to serve it up! This dish is so hearty and flavorful that it stands well on its own, but a few simple sides can really elevate your meal. I love pairing it with a fresh, crisp salad—think romaine with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette. It balances the richness of the cheese wonderfully!
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, some warm, buttery garlic bread is a fantastic option, perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy goodness left on your plate. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a cool, refreshing drink. A classic iced tea or a light beer complements the spice and creaminess of the dish beautifully. Whatever you choose, your chili mac and cheese is sure to shine! Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers (which I doubt will happen because it’s that good!), storing your chili mac and cheese is super simple. Just let it cool down completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I love using glass containers, as they’re easy to reheat and don’t retain odors.
When you’re ready to enjoy those creamy leftovers, you have a couple of options. For the quickest method, pop it in the microwave! Just warm it up in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure it heats evenly. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Either way, you’ll be diving back into that cheesy goodness in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this chili mac and cheese is a total game-changer! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share with friends, it’s got everything you need. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this dish:
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Comforting flavors that warm your soul, perfect for any occasion.
- One-pot meal, so less cleanup for you!
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses and add-ins.
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste just as delicious!
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Trust me, once you make this chili mac and cheese, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Chili Mac and Cheese: 5 Irresistible Comfort Bliss Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy, cheesy pasta dish with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, onion, and garlic; cook until meat is browned.
- Stir in chili beans, diced tomatoes, and chili powder.
- Mix in cooked macaroni.
- Add shredded cheese; stir until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use any type of cheese for variation.
- Add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chili mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food
