Chili Mac and Cheese is a warm and satisfying one-pot dish that brings together soft macaroni, spiced ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a lot of melted cheese. The blend of tasty chili and smooth cheese creates a warm, satisfying, and tasty bite with every mouthful.
This simple homemade recipe is great for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without needing too many dishes. All the ingredients cook together in the same pot, so it is easy to make and quick to clean up after. Serve it by itself or pair it with a fresh salad or your preferred side dish to make a full meal.
Ingredients
Here are all the ingredients that will be needed to make Chili Mac And Cheese at home:
- Garlic Cloves
- Salt
- Ground Black Pepper
- Red Onion
- Olive Oil
- Red Bell Pepper
- Ground Beef
- Tomato Paste
- Black Beans
- Water
- Macaroni Pasta
- Cheddar Cheese
- Cilantro
- Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Dried Oregano
- Thyme
- Cumin Powder
- Chili Powder
Quantity Of The Ingredients
Here is the amount of the ingredients that are mentioned above:
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 Red Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (chopped)
- 500g Ground beef (minced)
- 800g Tomato Paste
- 420g Black beans (drained)
- 2 cups Water
- 250g Macaroni Pasta
- 2 cups (200g) Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro (finely chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Paprika Powder
- 2 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Thyme
Making Of Chili Mac And Cheese
Here is the step by step procedure to make this meal:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped red onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until it is browned and fully cooked.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, thyme, cumin powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes so the spices become fragrant.
5. Stir in the black beans and water. Mix everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the uncooked macaroni directly to the pot. Stir well, cover, and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Cook until the macaroni is tender.
7. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and creates a creamy, cheesy sauce.
8. Taste and adjust the salt or chili powder if needed. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and serve the Chili Mac and Cheese warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll really enjoy this Chili Mac and Cheese because it is full of rich cheese, warm flavors, and feels really satisfying to eat. A mix of cooked ground beef, black beans, soft macaroni, tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese makes each bite taste good and keeps you full.
It is also cooked in one pot, so there is less mess and it is easier to clean up after cooking. The easy-to-find ingredients and simple way to cook make this dish perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or any time you want a cozy, satisfying meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Tips for Making Chili Mac and Cheese
- Use a large pot so the macaroni has enough room to cook evenly.
- Brown the ground beef well before adding the other ingredients for deeper flavor.
- Cook the spices with the tomato paste for a minute or two to bring out their flavor.
- Stir the pasta regularly while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the cheese over low heat and stir until melted for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Adjust the chili powder according to how spicy you like your Chili Mac and Cheese.
- Let it sit for a few minutes after cooking so the sauce can thicken slightly before serving.
- Add fresh cilantro at the end for a fresh flavor and a little color.
Storage
Allow the Chili Mac and Cheese to cool slightly before storing it. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, place the Chili Mac and Cheese in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Add a small splash of water or milk and stir occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through. Adding a little liquid helps bring back the creamy texture if the pasta has become dry.
Recipe Details
Prep Time – 10 minutes:
This includes chopping the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, preparing the other ingredients, and measuring the seasonings.
Cook Time – 25 minutes:
This includes cooking the vegetables and ground beef, adding the seasonings and beans, cooking the macaroni, and melting the cheddar cheese.
Total Time – 35 minutes:
This is the approximate time from starting the preparation to having the Chili Mac and Cheese ready to serve.
Servings – 4:
This recipe makes enough Chili Mac and Cheese for 4 people, making it a good option for a family meal or a small group.
Conclusion
Chili Mac and Cheese is a comforting and filling meal that brings together seasoned ground beef, beans, tender macaroni, and creamy melted cheese in one pot. It is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and makes a great choice for a quick family dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Serve it warm with fresh cilantro on top for a simple and satisfying dish.
Disclaimer
This recipe is provided for general cooking and informational purposes only. Cooking times may vary depending on the ingredients, cookware, and cooking temperature used. Make sure the ground beef is fully cooked before serving. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, check ingredient labels and make suitable substitutions as needed.