What ingredients do I need to make Chili Mac and Cheese?

To make Chili Mac and Cheese, you’ll need olive oil, garlic, onion, red capsicum (or bell pepper), ground beef, crushed canned tomatoes, red kidney beans, beef or chicken broth, elbow macaroni pasta, shredded cheese, and coriander for garnish. The chili flavor comes from a homemade spice mix combining cayenne pepper, paprika, cumin, onion powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. These ingredients create a hearty, flavorful dish that blends chili and cheesy pasta perfectly.

Can I freeze Chili Mac and Cheese and how do I reheat it?

Yes, Chili Mac and Cheese freezes well if stored in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then microwave until hot and steaming. Adding a little extra shredded cheese during reheating helps refresh the creamy texture. Because the dish is saucy, it retains moisture well after freezing and reheating, making it a convenient make-ahead meal.

How can I adjust the spice level in Chili Mac and Cheese?

The spice level primarily comes from cayenne pepper in the chili powder mix. You can reduce the heat by using less cayenne or skip it entirely for a milder version. To increase spiciness, add extra cayenne or a pinch of chili flakes. Adjusting the spice allows you to suit your taste preferences or accommodate family members who prefer less heat.

Can I substitute ground beef with other meats in Chili Mac and Cheese?

Yes, this recipe works well with various ground meats like chicken, turkey, pork, or lamb. Each meat will slightly change the flavor and fat content, but cooking times remain similar. Use lean meats if you want a lighter option, and properly brown the meat for the best texture and flavor before adding the sauce and pasta.

What’s the best way to cook pasta for Chili Mac and Cheese without making it mushy?

Cook the elbow macaroni until it is just al dente—firm but cooked through. In this recipe, the pasta finishes cooking in the residual heat of the sauce, so turn off the heat when the pasta is almost done, then stir in cheese and cover to let it melt. Avoid overcooking the pasta initially to prevent mushiness and maintain the perfect texture in the final dish.

Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe For Quick Comfort Meals

Name: Chili Mac And Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 2 garlic cloves, minced; – 1 onion, finely chopped; – 1 red capsicum or bell pepper, chopped; – 500 grams (1 pound) lean ground beef (mince); – 800 grams (28 ounces) crushed canned tomatoes; – 420 grams (14 ounces) can red kidney beans, drained; – 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) beef broth (chicken broth also acceptable); – 250 grams (8 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni pasta; – 2 cups (200 grams) shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or tasty cheese); – 1/4 cup finely chopped coriander or cilantro for garnish; – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or pure chili powder, adjustable to taste (for homemade chili powder spices); – 2 teaspoons paprika powder (for homemade chili powder spices); – 2 teaspoons cumin powder (for homemade chili powder spices); – 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder (can substitute garlic powder) (for homemade chili powder spices); – 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for homemade chili powder spices); – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for homemade chili powder spices); – 1 1/4 teaspoons salt (for homemade chili powder spices)

Description

🍲 One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese combines hearty chili flavors with creamy macaroni and cheese for a cozy, quick meal.
🕒 Ready in about 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the wait.

Ingredients

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 2 garlic cloves, minced

– 1 onion, finely chopped

– 1 red capsicum or bell pepper, chopped

– 500 grams (1 pound) lean ground beef (mince)

– 800 grams (28 ounces) crushed canned tomatoes

– 420 grams (14 ounces) can red kidney beans, drained

– 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) beef broth (chicken broth also acceptable)

– 250 grams (8 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni pasta

– 2 cups (200 grams) shredded cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or tasty cheese)

– 1/4 cup finely chopped coriander or cilantro for garnish

– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or pure chili powder, adjustable to taste (for homemade chili powder spices)

– 2 teaspoons paprika powder (for homemade chili powder spices)

– 2 teaspoons cumin powder (for homemade chili powder spices)

– 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder (can substitute garlic powder) (for homemade chili powder spices)

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for homemade chili powder spices)

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for homemade chili powder spices)

– 1 1/4 teaspoons salt (for homemade chili powder spices)

Instructions

1-Gathering and Prepping Ingredients: First, get everything ready for your Chili Mac and Cheese to make cooking smoother. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the pasta and spices. If you’re adapting for vegan or gluten-free options, prepare those swaps now. This step sets you up for success in this quick 25-minute recipe.

2-Browning the Protein: Heat the olive oil in a large pot and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. This adds depth to the dish and takes just a few minutes. Remember, you can swap in chicken, turkey, or lamb for variety, as suggested in the tips.

3-Sautéing Aromatics and Spices: Once the meat is ready, add the onion, garlic, and red capsicum to the pot. Let them cook until soft, then stir in the spices. This step builds the bold flavors that define Chili Mac and Cheese.

4-Building the Sauce: Pour in the tomatoes, beans, and broth, then add the pasta. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook covered for about 12 minutes. Check that the sauce stays saucy, as the pasta will absorb liquid adjust if needed for the best texture.

5-Adding Cheese and Finishing: Turn off the heat and mix in half the cheese, letting it melt into the mix. Top with the rest and cover briefly. Garnish with coriander and serve right away. For more pasta ideas, try this creamy beef pasta recipe on our site.

6-Resting and Serving: Let the dish rest for a moment to set, then dish it out. It’s ready for your family meal, with nutritional perks like high protein and vitamins per serving.

Notes

🌶️ Use the homemade spice blend for consistent and balanced flavor.
⏲️ Turn off heat when pasta is just cooked to avoid overcooking with residual heat.
🥘 This recipe works well with other ground meats like chicken, pork, turkey, or lamb.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pot Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 524 grams
Calories: 768
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 1630mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 75g
Fiber: 11g
Protein: 44g
Cholesterol: 103mg

Keywords: chili mac and cheese, one pot meal, comfort food, quick dinner