Cheddar Chili Mac
Introduction
Cheddar Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food—a delightful fusion of hearty chili and creamy macaroni and cheese. This one-pot wonder is ideal for busy weeknights, game-day gatherings, or anytime you need a dish guaranteed to satisfy a hungry crowd. With bold flavors, a velvety cheese sauce, and the satisfying bite of ground beef and pasta, this recipe delivers warmth and nostalgia in every spoonful.
Why Cheddar Chili Mac Is a Crowd Favorite
Few dishes match the crowd-pleasing magic of Cheddar Chili Mac. The rich chili base, loaded with ground beef and tomatoes, gets married to tender macaroni and a generous amount of melty cheddar cheese. The result? Creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible. Best of all, it’s streamlined enough for a quick weeknight meal without sacrificing depth of flavor.
Effortless Prep for Maximum Flavor
A vibrant chili starts with perfectly chopped vegetables. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to quickly dice onions, garlic, and bell peppers for a uniform sauté and improved texture, saving precious prep time. Browning the beef is a breeze with a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, ensuring nothing sticks and cleanup stays minimal.
Assembling and Cooking Your Cheddar Chili Mac
After sauteing your aromatics and beef, simply add the beans, tomatoes, spices, and uncooked macaroni directly into the same skillet for an easy, layered cook. Use a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher to break up ground meat and mix everything evenly. Once your pasta is perfectly tender, stir in plenty of shredded cheddar for that creamy, saucy finish.
How to Serve & Store Cheddar Chili Mac
Serve Cheddar Chili Mac hot right out of the pan, garnished with extra cheese or green onions if desired. For perfect leftovers, portion any extras into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers—they’re leak-proof and microwave-safe, making reheating a snap for lunch the next day.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields around 6 generous servings. Each portion (without optional toppings) is about 450–500 calories, depending on the fat content of your beef and the amount of cheese used. It’s a hearty meal packed with protein, calcium, and a good dose of comfort.
Cheddar Chili Mac: Comfort Food, Upgraded (Recap)
Cheddar Chili Mac is a beautiful blend of two American classics: chili and mac & cheese. Creamy, comforting, and just a bit spicy, it’s the fast, one-pot dinner you’ll want to make on repeat—especially when you crave something that’s both effortless and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic (quickly chopped with your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper) to the pan. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, beef broth, and uncooked macaroni. Stir well to combine.
- Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until macaroni is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and let sit, covered, for 2 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve hot. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for the best freshness.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Enjoy the irresistible comfort of Cheddar Chili Mac, where cheesy goodness meets bold chili in a single, satisfying skillet dinner!