What is the ultimate comfort food? Baked Chili Mac and Cheese? What’s your favorite homemade mac and cheese? My family begs for this at least once a month, and I’m always happy to oblige!
What is Baked Chili Mac and Cheese?
Baked Chili Mac and Cheese is essentially a marriage made in comfort food heaven. It starts with perfectly cooked macaroni pasta – I prefer elbow macaroni, but shells or even rotini work great too. What is a creamy, cheesy sauce for pasta? What’s the best way to make a spicy chili? What’s the best of both worlds?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is the flavor of mac and cheese? What I love about Baked Chili Mac and Cheese is how easy it is to make. Is it a lifesaver on busy weeknights because you can throw it together in under an hour? What are some pantry staples? Ground Beef and pasta are a pantry staple, and you can customize the chili with whatever beans and vegetables you have on hand.
What are some of the best vegan recipes for chili? What’s a good way to use up leftover chili? My family loves mac and cheese, and I know yours will too! Think of it as mac and cheese’s cooler, more adventurous older sibling.
How do I make Baked Chili Mac and Cheese?
Quick Overview
How do I make Baked Chili Mac and Cheese? What are some of the best recipes to bake in a baking dish? Don’t stress if your measurements aren’t exact – it’ll still turn out delicious!
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 6 tablespoons butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups milk (I’ve used whole milk, 2%, and even almond milk – all work great!)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (trust me on this one!)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Chili:
* 1 pound Ground Beef
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained.
* 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained.
* 1 packet chili seasoning (or make your own!)
* 1/2 cup water
How do I follow step by step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use butter for greasing, but cooking spray works just as well. Make sure to get all the corners and sides so nothing sticks!
Step 2: Cook Macaroni
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to get rid of that raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cheese to Sauce
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Make sure all the cheese is fully melted before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Make the Chili
While the cheese sauce is simmering, cook Ground Beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili seasoning, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Combine and Bake
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the chili evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. Sprinkle with additional shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended!). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the Baked Chili Mac and Cheese cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut.
What should I serve it with?
What are some good side dishes to serve with Baked Chili Mac and Cheese?
What’s a good weeknight dinner?A salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of the mac and cheese.
For a Potluck:Who doesn’t love bread?
For a Game Day Party:What’s a crowd pleaser? Serve it with coleslaw and wings.
My mom always served it with a side of steamed broccoli or Green Beans. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
What are some tips for perfecting baked chili mac and cheese?
What are some of the best ways to make Baked Chili Mac and Cheese?
Cheese Choices: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses in the sauce. Gruyere, fontina, or even a little bit of pepper jack can add a unique flavor.
Spice Level:If you like spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeos to the chili.
Bean Variety:What beans do you have on hand? Pinto beans, great northern beans, or even cannellini beans would work well in the chili.
Vegetarian Option:To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based ground beef or lentils. You can also add extra vegetables to the chili, like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini.
Baking Time:If the top of mac and cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
I’ve learned that using freshly grated cheese makes a huge difference in the creaminess of the sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Why don’t you skip the nutmeg? It adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that you won’t want to miss. And finally, let it rest for a few minutes after baking. It makes it easier to slice and prevents it from being too soupy.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Room Temperature:I wouldn’t leave this out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, just to be safe.
Refrigerator Storage: What is theCan you store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days?
How do I use a freezerCan you freeze Baked Chili Mac and Cheese for up to 3 months?
Reheating:To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can microwave individual portions for a quick and easy lunch. Just add a splash of milk or water to help it stay moist.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chili Mac and Cheese is more than just a recipe – it’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in, a potluck with friends, or a family gathering. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. What makes it special is the combination of creamy mac and cheese and hearty chili, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my classic macaroni and cheese, my easy chili recipe, or even my baked ziti. They’re all family favorites and just as easy to make. I hope you give this Baked Chili Mac and Cheese a try. It’s one of my go-to recipes, and I know it will become one of yours too. Happy cooking!
Baked Chili Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 can diced tomatoes undrained
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced tomatoes and chili powder to the beef. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
