This Ground Beef Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is an enticing fusion of two comfort foods. It offers a delightful blend of rich, savory flavors, and cheese that melts in your mouth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck parties.
Most of the ingredients for this dish are likely already in your pantry. However, smoked paprika might not be a staple in every home. This unique spice adds a smoky flavor to the dish that really sets it apart. Make sure to grab some from your local supermarket if you don’t have it on hand.
Ground Beef Chili Mac and Cheese Ingredients
Elbow: Elbow pasta forms the base of the mac and cheese, providing a hearty and satisfying texture.
Olive oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables, enhancing their flavor.
Onion and Green Pepper: Onion and green pepper add a sweet and slightly tangy taste to the dish.
Garlic: Garlic brings a punch of flavor that complements the beef and spices.
Ground beef: Lean ground beef is the protein source in this recipe, offering a rich and meaty taste.
Cumin, Chili powder, and Smoked paprika: These spices give the dish its distinctive chili flavor.
Tomatoes and Tomato puree: Tomatoes and their puree give the dish a vibrant color and tangy taste.
Beef broth and Tomato paste: Beef broth and tomato paste add depth to the flavors of the dish.
Red kidney beans and Black beans: Beans are a great source of fiber and give the dish an appealing texture.
Cheddar and Mozzarella cheese: These cheeses create a creamy and gooey mac and cheese that's irresistible.
One reader, Bradley Drury says:
This ground beef chili mac and cheese recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the combination of beef, beans, and cheese is simply divine. It's a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. I highly recommend trying it out!
Key Techniques for Perfecting Ground Beef Chili Mac and Cheese
How to sauté onions and peppers: Sauté the onions in hot oil until they become transparent, then add the green peppers and continue sautéing until they are tender.
How to brown ground beef: Cook the ground beef in a pot over medium-high heat, breaking up any large chunks with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink.
How to simmer chili: After adding the tomatoes, tomato puree, broth, tomato paste, and beans, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens.
How to broil the chili mac and cheese: Preheat the oven broiler to medium heat. Once the pasta and cheese are combined, transfer the pot to the oven and broil for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and melted.
How to garnish with jalapeños and cilantro: If desired, top the chili mac and cheese with sliced jalapeños and chopped cilantro before serving.
How to serve with sour cream: Serve the chili mac and cheese with a dollop of sour cream on top.
How To Make Ground Beef Chili Mac And Cheese
Mac and cheese and beef chili get together in this two-in-one recipe. It has all the lovely flavors of chili in a pasta dish that we all know and love.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8ozdry weight elbowor macaroni pasta, cooked to al dente and drained
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1largeyellow oniondiced
- ½greenpeppercapsicum, seeded and diced
- 4garlic clovesminced, or 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1lblean ground beef
- 1tbspcuminground
- 1tbspred chili powderor cayenne, adjust to tastes
- ½tspsmoked paprikaor sweet paprika
- ½tspsalt
- 7oztomatoescrushed
- 7oztomato puree
- 1cupbeef brothor chicken
- 1tbsptomato paste
- 14ozred kidney beansdrained
- 7ozblack beansdrained
- 1cupCheddar Cheeseor Monterey Jack, shredded
- 1cupmozzarella cheeseshredded
Instructions
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Heat oil in large heavy-based pot (or casserole pot) over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until transparent, then add the green peppers (or capsicum) and garlic, sautéing for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
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Add beef and cook until browned, breaking up any big chunks with the end of a wooden spoon. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika and salt and mix through until beef is fully coated in the seasonings.
-
Mix in the crushed tomatoes along with the juices, tomato puree, broth, tomato paste and beans. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens.
-
Preheat oven broiler (or grill) on medium heat.
-
Add the cooked pasta and toss well to combine. Top with cheese, transfer to oven and broil for 2 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and melted.
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Garnish with sliced jalapeños and chopped cilantro (optional). Serve with sour cream.
Nutrition
- Calories: 721.35kcal
- Fat: 28.44g
- Saturated Fat: 13.11g
- Trans Fat: 0.86g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.22g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.74g
- Carbohydrates: 75.07g
- Fiber: 14.09g
- Sugar: 5.94g
- Protein: 42.91g
- Cholesterol: 86.00mg
- Sodium: 682.42mg
- Calcium: 418.52mg
- Potassium: 1584.90mg
- Iron: 7.46mg
- Vitamin A: 144.48µg
- Vitamin C: 16.12mg
Expert Technique Tip for Elevating Your Chili Mac Game
When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small pieces. This will not only ensure that the beef cooks evenly, but also helps the flavors of the cumin, chili powder, and paprika to fully permeate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Additionally, when adding the pasta to the chili, ensure it's well-drained to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Hearty Meal
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and simplify the cooking process.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient future meals.
Use canned beans: Save time by using canned beans instead of cooking them from scratch.
Multitask: While the chili is simmering, cook the pasta to save time and make the process more efficient.
Invest in a good knife: A sharp, high-quality knife can make chopping and prepping ingredients quicker and easier.
Plan your steps: Review the recipe and plan the order of tasks to optimize efficiency and minimize downtime.
Pre-shredded cheese: Utilize pre-shredded cheese to save time on grating and preparation.
Cook pasta in advance: Cook the pasta ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use in the recipe.
Utilize kitchen gadgets: Use kitchen tools such as food processors or choppers to expedite the prep work.
Substitute Ingredients For Ground Beef Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be used as a healthier alternative to ground beef. It also has a similar texture and flavor when cooked.
elbow - Substitute with penne: Penne is a suitable substitute for elbow macaroni as it holds sauces well and has a similar cooking time.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with monterey jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese has a mild flavor and melts well, making it a good substitute for cheddar in this recipe.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a similar mild flavor and melting properties to mozzarella, making it a good substitute in this recipe.
How to Beautifully Present Chili Mac and Cheese
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use clean lines and carefully place the components to showcase the layers and textures of the dish.
Incorporate garnishes: Add a touch of sophistication by incorporating edible garnishes such as microgreens, chives, or edible flowers to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose elegant and refined serving ware to complement the dish. Opt for minimalist, high-quality plates and bowls that allow the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring that every component is meticulously arranged to create a harmonious and visually stunning presentation.
Emphasize balance and harmony: Strive for a balanced composition, considering the placement of each element to create a visually harmonious presentation that reflects the flavors and textures of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for a variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Large heavy-based pot or casserole pot: A large, sturdy pot used for cooking the chili mac and cheese.
- Wooden spoon: Used for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
- Oven broiler or grill: Used for melting and browning the cheese topping.
- Colander: Used for draining the cooked pasta and beans.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients.
- Grater: Used for grating the cheese.
- Saucepan: Used for cooking the pasta.
- Baking dish: Used for assembling and baking the chili mac and cheese.
- Can opener: Used for opening canned ingredients such as tomatoes and beans.
Proper Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Chili Mac
- Allow the chili mac and cheese to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled chili mac into an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the chili mac and cheese, follow these steps:
- Divide the cooled chili mac into individual serving portions or freeze it as a whole in a freezer-safe container or a large ziplock bag.
- If using a container, make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- If using a ziplock bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen chili mac and cheese can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat refrigerated chili mac, simply microwave individual portions or heat the entire batch in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- For frozen chili mac and cheese, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it directly from frozen:
- If thawed, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop as mentioned above.
- If reheating from frozen, transfer the frozen chili mac to a microwave-safe dish or a pot on the stovetop and heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it's heated through and steaming hot. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out during reheating.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Chili Mac
Reheat in the oven: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover chili mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating and sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top.
Microwave method: place a single serving of the chili mac in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of beef broth or water to help maintain moisture. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape). Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated to your desired temperature.
Stovetop reheating: place the leftover chili mac and cheese in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir gently and continuously until the dish is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. If the mixture appears too thick, add more liquid as needed.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover chili mac to a slow cooker. Add a small amount of beef broth or water to maintain moisture. Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the dish is heated through. This method is ideal for larger portions and helps maintain the texture of the pasta.
Freeze and reheat: if you have a large amount of leftover chili mac and cheese, consider freezing it for future meals. Divide the cooled dish into individual portions and store them in airtight, freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw the portion in the refrigerator overnight, then use one of the above methods to heat it through.
Surprising Trivia About Chili Mac and Cheese
Chili Mac and Cheese is a popular comfort food in the United States, combining the flavors of chili and macaroni and cheese into one delicious dish.
Budget-Friendly: Is Homemade Chili Mac Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this ground beef chili mac and cheese recipe is quite high. The ingredients, including lean ground beef, elbow pasta, and canned tomatoes, are affordable and readily available. The dish yields a substantial amount, making it suitable for a family meal. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $15-20, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8/10, considering its affordability, delicious flavors, and the ability to feed a family without breaking the bank.
Is This Comfort Food Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This chili mac and cheese recipe, while comforting and delicious, leans towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The recipe uses a significant amount of cheese (2 cups total), which is high in saturated fat and calories.
- Ground beef, especially if not lean, can contribute to the dish's overall fat content.
- The recipe doesn't include a significant amount of vegetables, limiting its nutritional value.
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as beans (a good source of fiber and protein), onions, garlic, and tomatoes (which provide various vitamins and minerals).
To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for lean ground beef (90% or higher) or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lower fat content
- Reduce the amount of cheese by half and choose reduced-fat varieties to decrease the saturated fat and calorie content
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as diced carrots, zucchini, or spinach, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber content and provide a slower release of energy
- Reduce the amount of salt and rely more on herbs and spices for flavor, such as oregano, basil, or chili flakes
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Classic Comfort Food
This ground beef chili mac and cheese recipe is a delightful fusion of comforting flavors. The combination of tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and hearty beans creates a rich and satisfying chili base. The addition of pasta adds a comforting twist, while the gooey cheddar and mozzarella cheese topping brings a luxurious finish. The recipe's balance of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Enhance Your Ground Beef Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Ground Beef Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe:
This recipe is a delicious and comforting combination of ground beef, chili, and mac and cheese. The flavors are carefully balanced with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, creating a rich and satisfying dish. The use of tomatoes and tomato puree adds depth, while the combination of cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese provides a gooey, indulgent topping. The addition of jalapeños and cilantro offers a fresh and zesty finish. This recipe is a surefire way to please your taste buds and impress your friends and family.
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