Easy Chili Mac Recipe

If you're craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, look no further than this Easy Chili Mac recipe. This dish combines the best of both worlds: the rich, savory flavors of chili and the satisfying, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious and satisfying dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

this Recipe

What is Chili Mac?

Chili Mac, short for Chili Macaroni, is a classic American comfort food that merges two beloved dishes: chili and macaroni and cheese. It features tender pasta mixed with a flavorful, hearty chili made from ground beef or turkey, beans, tomatoes, and spices, all topped off with gooey, melted cheese. The result is a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a family or serving at casual gatherings.

Ingredients List for Chili Mac

Creating this easy Chili Mac requires a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef or Turkey: 1 pound (you can also use a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version).
• Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
• Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
• Bell Pepper: 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, green, or yellow).
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes with their juice.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 can (8 ounces) of tomato sauce.
• Beans: 1 can (15 ounces) of kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed.
• Macaroni Pasta: 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni.
• Beef or Chicken Broth: 2 cups (or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version).
• Chili Powder: 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
• Cumin: 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon of paprika.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese).
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing.
• Optional Toppings: Sliced green onions, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and jalapeños.

Ingredients List for Vegetarian Chili Mac

For a vegetarian version, simply swap out the meat and use additional beans or a plant-based ground meat. Here’s the adjusted ingredients list:

• Plant-Based Ground Meat: 1 pound (or use an extra can of beans for a more bean-heavy chili).
• Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
• Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
• Bell Pepper: 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, green, or yellow).
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes with their juice.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 can (8 ounces) of tomato sauce.
• Beans: 2 cans (15 ounces each) of beans (kidney, black, or pinto), drained and rinsed.
• Macaroni Pasta: 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni.
• Vegetable Broth: 2 cups.
• Chili Powder: 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
• Cumin: 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon of paprika.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or a vegan cheese alternative).
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing.
• Optional Toppings: Sliced green onions, sour cream (or vegan sour cream), chopped cilantro, and jalapeños.

Substitutions and Variations

Chili Mac is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to fit your dietary preferences and ingredient availability. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Meat Alternatives: Instead of ground beef or turkey, you can use ground chicken, pork, or a plant-based meat alternative. If you want to skip the meat altogether, use an extra can of beans or lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Pasta Types: While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works well.
• Beans: Feel free to use any beans you like, such as pinto beans, black beans, or even chickpeas.
• Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to your liking or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat. For a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely.
• Cheese: Cheddar is the classic choice, but you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack. For a creamier sauce, you can also stir in some cream cheese or sour cream.
• Add Vegetables: Bulk up your Chili Mac by adding vegetables like corn, zucchini, or spinach. This adds more nutrition and flavor to the dish.
• One-Pot Version: If you want to simplify even further, cook the pasta directly in the chili by adding extra broth and simmering until the pasta is tender.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Chili Mac is a straightforward process that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Here’s how to make this easy and delicious dish:

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
3. Brown the Meat: If using ground meat, add it to the pot with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through.
4. Add the Bell Pepper: Stir in the chopped bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.
5. Season the Chili: Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.
6. Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, beans, and broth. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Combine with Pasta: Once the chili is ready, stir in the cooked macaroni. Mix until the pasta is fully coated with the chili.
9. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chili mac, then stir until the cheese is melted and well combined.
10. Serve: Spoon the chili mac into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like sliced green onions, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and jalapeños.

How to Cook Chili Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Chili Mac is a quick and easy process that yields a satisfying, comforting meal. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Chili Mac turns out perfectly:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. For al dente pasta, cook for about 7-8 minutes, then drain and set aside. If you prefer a one-pot version, you can skip this step and cook the pasta directly in the chili.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for your chili mac.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Meat

Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. If you're making a vegetarian version, skip this step or add your plant-based ground meat.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

Next, stir in the chopped bell pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the pepper begins to soften. This adds color, flavor, and a bit of crunch to your chili mac.

Step 5: Season the Chili

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the meat and vegetables with the spices. This step infuses the dish with the bold, warm flavors characteristic of chili.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, drained beans, and broth. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7: Simmer the Chili

Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, hearty base for your chili mac.

Step 8: Combine with Cooked Pasta

Once the chili has simmered and the flavors have come together, stir in the cooked macaroni. Mix until the pasta is fully coated with the chili. If you’re cooking the pasta directly in the chili, ensure it’s tender before moving to the next step.

Step 9: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chili mac. Stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish. The cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that makes the chili mac irresistibly gooey and delicious.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chili mac into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors of this easy meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe like Chili Mac, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure not to overcook the pasta, especially if you plan to cook it further in the chili. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and detract from the dish’s texture.
• Not Browning the Meat: If using meat, make sure to brown it fully before adding the other ingredients. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
• Skipping the Seasoning Step: Don’t skimp on the spices. Chili Mac relies on bold, robust flavors, and under-seasoning can result in a bland dish.
• Adding Cheese Too Early: Adding the cheese too early can cause it to separate or become stringy. Always add the cheese at the end, just before serving.
• Using Low-Quality Cheese: For the best results, use high-quality cheese that melts well. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chili Mac is a casual, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Here’s how to serve and present it for maximum appeal:

How to Serve Chili Mac

Chili Mac is best served hot, straight from the pot. Ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Serve with a side of crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad to complete the meal. It’s also delicious served with tortilla chips for scooping up the cheesy, meaty goodness.

Presentation Ideas for Chili Mac

• Garnish Generously: Top each bowl with sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños for a pop of color and flavor.
• Cheese Pull: Serve the Chili Mac in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic presentation, allowing the cheese to create those irresistible, Instagram-worthy cheese pulls.
• Layered Dish: For a visually appealing twist, layer the Chili Mac in individual serving dishes, alternating between pasta, chili, and cheese layers.

Chili Mac Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: Chili Mac can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep or serving a crowd.
• Freeze for Later: This dish freezes well. Store leftovers in airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Adjust Consistency: If the Chili Mac is too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
• Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for Chili Mac?

Yes, you can use any short pasta shape, such as penne, rotini, or shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Is Chili Mac spicy?

The spice level of Chili Mac is mild to moderate, depending on how much chili powder you use. You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños, or by reducing these ingredients for a milder dish.

3. How long does Chili Mac last in the fridge?

Chili Mac can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

4. Can I freeze Chili Mac?

Yes, Chili Mac freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

5. What can I serve with Chili Mac?

Chili Mac pairs well with cornbread, a simple green salad, or crusty bread. It’s also great served with tortilla chips or topped with extra cheese and sour cream.

6. Can I make Chili Mac without cheese?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of Chili Mac by using a vegan cheese alternative or omitting the cheese altogether. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying.

Conclusion

Easy Chili Mac is the perfect solution for a quick, comforting meal that’s sure to please the whole family. With its combination of hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese, it’s a dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight dinner or making it ahead for meal prep, this recipe is bound to become a go-to in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, cheesy, and satisfying bowl of Chili Mac tonight!

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