Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for chili mac and cheese! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, bringing together the hearty, spicy goodness of chili with the creamy, cheesy comfort of macaroni and cheese. It’s one of those meals that makes everything feel better, whether it’s a cold day or just one of those moments when you need a little extra comfort food in your life. And the best part? It comes together in just about 25 minutes! Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for those busy weeknights or when you’re craving something cozy and delicious!
Ingredients for Chili Mac and Cheese
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll need 2 cups of elbow macaroni, which gives that perfect shape for all that cheesy goodness to cling to. Grab 1 can of chili (15 oz); I like to use my favorite brand, but homemade works too if you’re feeling adventurous! Next, you’ll want 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese for that melty, gooey texture. Don’t forget 1 cup of milk to make the cheese sauce creamy and dreamy. You’ll also need 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder for that extra flavor kick. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste. Trust me, these ingredients come together beautifully!
How to Prepare Chili Mac and Cheese
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and it’s super simple, I promise!
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until al dente. You want that perfect bite! Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside. It’s okay if you leave it in the colander for a couple of minutes while you whip up the cheese sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, add in 1 cup of milk, followed by 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir it all together, and let it heat up for a minute or two. Now, sprinkle in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir continuously until it melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce. It’s going to smell amazing!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now comes the fun part! Add the cooked macaroni and 1 can of chili (15 oz) into the cheesy goodness. Mix everything together until each piece of macaroni is coated in that luscious cheese sauce and the chili is evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it one last stir. And there you have it—your chili mac and cheese is ready to be devoured!
Tips for Success
To make sure your chili mac and cheese turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the spices: if you like it spicier, add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a kick! Also, consider topping your dish with an extra layer of cheese before baking it for a few minutes under the broiler—hello, cheesy crust! And remember, using quality ingredients can really elevate the dish, so opt for a good brand of chili and fresh cheese if you can. Trust me; these little tweaks will take your chili mac and cheese to the next level!
Variations of Chili Mac and Cheese
Now, let’s get creative with your chili mac and cheese! There are so many fun variations you can try to mix things up. For starters, why not experiment with different types of cheese? Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a nice twist, bringing a bit of heat if you’re feeling adventurous! You can also throw in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition—plus, it adds a lovely texture!
If you like it spicy, consider using a spicy chili or adding diced jalapeños directly into the mix for an extra kick! And for a smoky flavor, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chipotle powder can do wonders. Trust me, every variation is a delicious adventure waiting to happen!
Serving Suggestions
Chili mac and cheese is a hearty dish all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with some simple sides! I love serving it with a crisp green salad drizzled with tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness. If you’re in the mood for something comforting, garlic bread or warm cornbread is a fantastic choice. And don’t forget a refreshing drink—an ice-cold lemonade or a light lager complements the flavors perfectly. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that delicious flavor intact. Just transfer the chili mac and cheese into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Just add a splash of milk to keep it creamy, and heat it over medium-low, stirring frequently until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it and stir halfway to prevent it from drying out. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this delicious chili mac and cheese is estimated to have about 400 calories, with 20g of fat and 18g of protein. You’ll also find around 45g of carbohydrates and 3g of sugar in there. Of course, these values can vary depending on your specific ingredients, so consider them as a rough guide. But trust me, it’s worth every single bite of cheesy, hearty goodness!
FAQ about Chili Mac and Cheese
Got questions about chili mac and cheese? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some gluten-free pastas can vary.
What can I use instead of canned chili?
Feel free to use homemade chili if you have a favorite recipe! It’s a great way to personalize the dish. You could also try a vegetarian chili for a lighter option.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. It should keep well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
How can I make it spicier?
If you love heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while mixing in the chili. You could even use a spicy chili to kick things up a notch!
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! You can use plant-based cheese, almond milk, and a vegan chili. It’s a delicious way to enjoy this comforting dish while sticking to your dietary preferences!
Chili Mac and Cheese: 25-Min Comfort Food Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chili mac and cheese combines the flavors of chili with creamy macaroni and cheese for a hearty dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can chili (15 oz)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 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 over medium heat.
- Add milk, garlic powder, and onion powder to the saucepan.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni and chili to the cheese mixture.
- Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can use canned or homemade chili.
- Top with extra cheese for a cheesy crust.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chili mac and cheese
