When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the hearty and indulgent combination of chili and macaroni. Whether you’re looking for a filling meal for your family, a game-day snack, or a potluck dish to impress your friends, Beef Chili Mac and Cheese is sure to hit the spot. This DIY Chili Mac recipe brings together two beloved classics—spicy chili and creamy mac and cheese—into one mouthwatering casserole that will have everyone coming back for more. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of creating the best Chili Mac worldwide, covering variations such as Chili Mac casserole recipes, Chili Mac without beans, and more.
What is Chili Mac?
Chili Mac, also known as Chili Macaroni, is a dish that combines chili with elbow macaroni pasta, typically topped with cheese. The dish originated in the United States, where chili and macaroni have been staples of comfort food for decades. It is a versatile recipe that can be made in many different ways, depending on your preferences for spice, texture, and ingredients. Some people like to add beans, while others prefer to keep it simple with just ground beef and cheese.
In this article, we’ll focus on a flavorful version of Chili Mac that uses ground beef, a delicious blend of spices, and a cheesy topping. Whether you’re looking for a spicy Chili Mac recipe or a simple Chili recipe with macaroni, this recipe has you covered.
Ingredients for the Best Chili Mac
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the key ingredients you’ll need to make this Beef Chili Mac and Cheese.
For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground beef (you can use lean beef or a fattier cut depending on your preference)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk (whole milk is best for creaminess)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese (extra cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Jalapeños or hot sauce for added spice
Instructions: How to Make the Best Chili Mac Worldwide
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet or pot over medium heat and adding the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until it is fully browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and translucent.
Step 2: Prepare the Chili Base
Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well to coat the beef and onions in the spices. These seasonings will give your Chili Mac a bold, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy macaroni.
Next, add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine, and then add the beef broth or water to help loosen the mixture. Bring the chili to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and create a rich, savory chili sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni
While your chili is simmering, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set it aside.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture becomes slightly golden in color.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, whisking frequently, until it thickens and becomes creamy. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
If you like your mac and cheese extra creamy, add sour cream at this point for an extra layer of richness.
Step 5: Combine the Chili and Macaroni
Now that both your chili and cheese sauce are ready, it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked macaroni to the chili mixture, stirring well to coat the pasta with the flavorful chili sauce.
Once the pasta is coated, pour the cheesy sauce over the chili-macaroni mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined, creating a beautiful blend of spicy chili and creamy macaroni.
Step 6: Bake (Optional for Casserole Version)
For a baked Chili Mac casserole, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the chili mac mixture into a greased baking dish and top with extra shredded cheese. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.
If you prefer a stovetop version, skip the baking step and simply serve the Chili Mac directly from the pan.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Chili Mac is ready, serve it hot with your choice of toppings. You can sprinkle fresh chopped green onions on top, add a dollop of sour cream, or even garnish with jalapeños for an extra spicy kick. Enjoy your hearty, comforting dish!
Variations of Chili Mac
While this Beef Chili Mac and Cheese recipe is a classic, there are many ways to customize it based on your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some variations:
Chili Mac Without Beans
Many people enjoy Chili Mac without beans for a more straightforward, meaty dish. If you prefer a chili recipe with macaroni that focuses solely on the beef and cheese, simply skip the addition of beans in the chili. You can also replace the beans with extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Vegetarian Chili Mac
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or meatless crumbles. You can also add extra beans or vegetables to bulk up the dish and create a satisfying meal without meat.
Spicy Chili Mac Recipe
If you love spice, consider adding more heat to your Chili Mac by increasing the amount of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce. You can also top your Chili Mac with sliced jalapeños or use a spicier variety of cheese, such as pepper jack, to kick things up a notch.
Chili Mac Casserole Recipes
Chili Mac casseroles are perfect for feeding a crowd. You can make a big batch and bake it in the oven for a crispy, cheesy top. Try adding toppings like breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch. For a fun twist, use different types of pasta like penne or rigatoni, or mix in beans, corn, or diced green chilies.
Chili Mac Recipes Ground Beef
Using ground beef in your Chili Mac adds rich flavor and texture to the dish. If you prefer leaner meat, you can substitute turkey or chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor profile. Ground beef pairs beautifully with the bold spices in the chili, creating the ultimate comfort food combination.
Chili Recipe with Macaroni
If you’re looking for a simpler approach, you can make a traditional chili recipe and serve it over macaroni. This is a great option if you want to control the amount of cheese and focus more on the chili itself. Just cook the chili as usual, then spoon it over cooked macaroni and top with shredded cheese.
Conclusion
There you have it—The Best Chili Mac Worldwide! This hearty dish brings together the best of both worlds: spicy chili and creamy mac and cheese. Whether you make it with or without beans, bake it as a casserole, or customize it with extra toppings, Chili Mac is guaranteed to satisfy. Try out this recipe today, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Enjoy experimenting with different variations of this Chili Macaroni recipe and make it your own!
