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Easy Chili Mac Recipe - emiliarecipes.com Easy Chili Mac Recipe - emiliarecipes.com
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Easy Chili Mac Recipe

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Chili Mac is a delicious blend of hearty chili with ground beef, beans, and rich tomato flavors, mixed with creamy mac and cheese. This easy-to-make recipe combines comfort food classics for a filling, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Chili:
    • 1 lb. ground beef (80% lean)
    • 1 small onion, diced
    • ½ cup bell pepper, diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, diced
    • 1.25 oz. packet chili seasoning mix
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • 8 oz. tomato sauce
    • 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
    • ½ cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
    • 1 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained
  • Mac and Cheese:
    • 2 cups macaroni, uncooked
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 2 tablespoons flour
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • 1 cup milk
    • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • ¼ teaspoon each salt/pepper
    • ½ teaspoon hot sauce
    • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • For Baking:
    • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
    • Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the Chili:
    • Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened.
    • Stir in chili seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, and kidney beans. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
  • Make Mac and Cheese:
    • Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
    • In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add heavy cream and milk, whisking until smooth.
    • Stir in mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, hot sauce, and 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  • Combine and Bake:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, then combine with the prepared chili.
    • Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese.
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of hot sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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