Chili Mac and Cheese: 5 Comforting Secrets Revealed

chili mac and cheese

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for chili mac and cheese! This dish is the ultimate comfort food, combining the heartiness of pasta, the rich flavors of chili, and the gooey goodness of melted cheese. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I whip this up whenever I need a quick meal that satisfies my cravings and fills my belly. Plus, it’s so simple to make that I can have it ready in just 25 minutes. Trust me, once you try this chili mac and cheese, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!

Ingredients for Chili Mac and Cheese

  • 2 cups macaroni (dry)
  • 1 can chili (15 oz, any variety you like)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Feel free to mix up the cheese if you want a little adventure! A blend of cheeses can add extra flavor. And if you’re feeling spicy, top with jalapeños for a kick! But seriously, even just these simple ingredients come together to create something magical. You’re going to love it!

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How to Prepare Chili Mac and Cheese

Preparing chili mac and cheese is a breeze, and I can’t wait to walk you through it! This dish comes together so quickly, and you’ll love how comforting it is. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes, until it’s al dente. No one wants mushy pasta!
  2. While the macaroni is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. This will help give your dish a nice flavor base.
  3. Once the macaroni is done, drain it and add it to the pan with the olive oil. Then, stir in the can of chili, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
  4. Now comes the fun part! Add in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts and everything is creamy and gooey. This should take about 2-3 minutes. You can totally adjust the heat if needed to help with melting.
  5. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last good stir, and voila! You’re ready to serve this delicious chili mac and cheese hot!

It’s that easy! I love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or when you just want something cozy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick preparation time—ready in just 25 minutes!
  • Hearty and filling, perfect for satisfying hunger.
  • A delightful blend of chili and cheese that creates a flavor explosion.
  • Comforting, warm, and perfect for cozy nights in.
  • Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it!
  • Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or cheeses.
  • One-pot meal makes for easy cleanup—yes, please!

Trust me, this chili mac and cheese has everything you need for a quick and delicious dinner that warms the soul!

Tips for Success with Chili Mac and Cheese

Here are my top tips to make your chili mac and cheese even more amazing! First, don’t hesitate to swap out the cheddar for your favorite cheese—Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack adds a delicious twist! If you want a creamier texture, try using half-and-half instead of milk. When cooking the macaroni, remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. And for a nice crispy top, you can transfer the mix to a baking dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Enjoy it with a side salad for a refreshing contrast!

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this comforting chili mac and cheese is packed with flavor and nutrition! You can expect approximately 400 calories, 20g of fat, and 20g of protein per cup. It also contains about 40g of carbohydrates and 4g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands you use, so feel free to adjust according to your preferences. Enjoy this hearty meal knowing it’s both satisfying and nourishing!

FAQ About Chili Mac and Cheese

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! One of the best things about chili mac and cheese is its versatility. You can use your favorite cheese, whether it’s Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for some heat, or even a creamy Gouda. Mixing different cheeses can add a whole new flavor profile that you’re going to love!

How do I store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), just let the chili mac and cheese cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to bring back that creamy goodness!

Is this dish gluten-free?

Great question! Traditional macaroni is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can easily make this chili mac and cheese gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. There are plenty of delicious options available now that mimic the texture of regular pasta perfectly. You won’t miss a thing!

Serving Suggestions for Chili Mac and Cheese

When it comes to serving chili mac and cheese, I love to keep things simple yet satisfying! A fresh, crisp side salad is always a hit—think mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, some buttery garlic bread or even cornbread pairs beautifully with the cheesy goodness. And don’t forget about toppings! A sprinkle of green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños can elevate your meal even more. Trust me, these little extras will take your chili mac and cheese experience to the next level!

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chili mac and cheese

Chili Mac and Cheese: 5 Comforting Secrets Revealed


  • Autor: Julia marin
  • Całkowity Czas: 25 minutes
  • Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
  • Dieta: Wegańskie

Opis

Chili mac and cheese is a hearty dish combining pasta, chili, and cheese for a comforting meal.


Składniki

Skala
  • 2 cups macaroni
  • 1 can chili (15 oz)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instrukcje

  1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add cooked macaroni, chili, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder to the pan.
  4. Stir well to combine.
  5. Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted.
  6. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve hot.

Uwagi

  • You can use any type of cheese you prefer.
  • Top with jalapeños for extra spice.
  • Can be baked for a crispy top.
  • Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
  • Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
  • Kategoria: Main Dish
  • Sposób: Stovetop
  • Kuchnia: American

Zasilanie

  • Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
  • Kalorie: 400
  • Cukier: 4g
  • Sód: 800mg
  • Kwasy: 20g
  • Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
  • Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
  • Tłuszcze trans: 0g
  • Węglowodany: 40g
  • Włókno: 2g
  • Białko: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Słowa kluczowe: chili mac and cheese, comfort food, pasta dish

O mnie

Cześć, nazywam się Julia, jestem sercem Vihaad Rrzepisy i pasjonatką dobrej kuchni. Moja miłość do gotowania zaczęła się w dzieciństwie, inspirowana pysznymi posiłkami mojej babci. Dziś dzielę się smacznymi przepisami, które łączą ludzi poprzez wspólne delektowanie się jedzeniem.

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