Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food fusion: Homemade Creamy Chili Mac. This delightful dish combines the hearty flavors of chili with the creamy indulgence of mac and cheese, creating a perfect meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort: Combines two classic comfort dishes into a single, satisfying meal.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Easily adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The perfect balance of creamy cheese sauce with hearty chili.
- Hearty and Filling: A wholesome meal that pleases both kids and adults.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is all about getting the most out of simple ingredients. Each element adds a unique layer of flavor, ensuring that your Homemade Creamy Chili Mac is as delicious as it is comforting.
- Ground Beef: Provides a hearty base for the chili’s robust flavor.
- Onion and Bell Pepper: Add a subtle sweetness and texture to the chili.
- Chili Seasoning Mix: Spice it up with a mix of flavors that complements the entire dish.
- Macaroni: The perfect pasta choice for soaking up all that cheesy goodness.
- Cheddar Cheese: Offers a creamy, tangy finish to the mac and cheese.
- Heavy Cream and Milk: Create the luscious, smooth texture of the cheese sauce.
- Kidney Beans: Add protein and texture, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Variations
One of the beauties of Homemade Creamy Chili Mac is its flexibility. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your family’s tastes or dietary restrictions.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans for a meat-free option.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who like it hot.
- Cheese Choice: Experiment with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for varied flavors and spice levels.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and thickener to accommodate dietary needs.
How to Make Homemade Creamy Chili Mac
Step 1: Cook the Chili
Begin by cooking and crumbling the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, making sure no lumps form. Add in your diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This method ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Add the Veggies and Spices
Introduce the bell pepper, minced garlic, chili seasoning mix, and tomato paste, stirring constantly for about 4 minutes. This step boosts the chili’s flavor profile, building a savory base for your Homemade Creamy Chili Mac.
Step 3: Simmer with Sauce and Beans
Slowly add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Allow it to come to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer. Add kidney beans in the last 10 minutes. This is where the chili takes on its fully developed, heartwarming taste.
Step 4: Whip up the Mac and Cheese
As your chili simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and get started on the mac and cheese. Boil the macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside. Meanwhile, melt butter in a pot, whisk in flour, and gradually stir in cream and milk to ensure a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Mix and Bake
Combine the chili with the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle generously with more cheddar and bake until the cheese melts perfectly. Garnish with parsley for a dash of freshness before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Creamy Chili Mac
- Perfect Cheese Selection: Always shred your own block of cheese for the best melting and flavor integration.
- Even Simmer: Keep the chili on a gentle simmer to meld flavors without evaporating too much liquid.
- Flavorful Macaroni: Salting the pasta water ensures the macaroni captures and enhances the creamy cheese flavor.
- Texture Balance: Adjust chili to mac ratios according to personal preference for a hearty or creamy finish.
How to Serve Homemade Creamy Chili Mac
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley offers a burst of color and freshness. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra zest.
Side Dishes
Pair your Homemade Creamy Chili Mac with a warm slice of cornbread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal and balance the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual oven-safe ramekins for a personalized touch, or scoop into a bread bowl for an even more comforting, rustic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making reheated portions even tastier.
Freezing
Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk if needed to regain creaminess.
FAQs
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Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground beef with plant-based alternatives or more beans for a vegetarian-friendly version that’s just as satisfying.
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Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Indeed! Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch in place of flour for the cheese sauce.
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How can I increase the spice level?
Add chopped jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a few dashes of hot sauce to ramp up the heat to your liking.
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What can I use as a garnish besides parsley?
Consider using sliced green onions, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even crumbled tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Creamy Chili Mac is an indulgent dish that’s sure to warm hearts and tummies alike. Whether you’re snuggling up on a chilly night or simply craving hearty comfort food, this recipe will not disappoint. So, gather your ingredients and give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Homemade Creamy Chili Mac Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings (around 12 cups)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade creamy chili mac combines flavorful ground beef chili with a rich, cheesy mac and cheese, baked to perfection and topped with shredded cheddar and fresh parsley for a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for any family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chili
– 1 lb ground beef (80% lean) – 1 small onion, diced – 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced – 3 cloves garlic, minced – 1.25 oz packet chili seasoning mix – 1 tbsp tomato paste – 8 oz tomato sauce – 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained) – 1/2 cup chicken broth – 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drainedFor the Mac and Cheese
– 2 cups macaroni, uncooked – 2 tbsp butter – 2 tbsp flour – 1/2 cup heavy cream – 1 cup milk – 1/2 tsp mustard powder – 1/4 tsp onion powder – 1/4 tsp salt – 1/4 tsp pepper – 1/2 tsp hot sauce – 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shreddedFor Baking
– 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded – Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)Instructions
- Cook and crumble the ground beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 2 minutes, then crumble with a spoon and continue cooking until browned and cooked through. Add diced onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Drain excess grease.
- Add peppers and garlic: Stir in diced bell peppers and minced garlic, cooking for about 4 minutes until peppers are tender.
- Season and simmer: Stir in chili seasoning mix and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, adding kidney beans in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Prepare macaroni: While the chili simmers, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat, stir in mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Combine macaroni and cheese: Add drained macaroni to cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Mix chili with mac and cheese: Gently stir the chili into the macaroni and cheese mixture. Transfer everything to an oven-safe dish if needed.
- Bake: Top with 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for 5 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Cheese Tip: Shred cheese from a block for better melting and flavor. Monterey Jack can be a good substitute for cheddar.
- Beans: Feel free to omit or substitute kidney beans with black beans based on preference.
- Hot Sauce: Adds flavor depth without spiciness; Texas Pete or Frank’s Hot Sauce work well.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
