Creamy Chili Mac with Cheese Sauce Recipe

why make this recipe

Creamy Chili Mac with Cheese Sauce is a comforting dish that combines the heartiness of chili with the creaminess of macaroni and cheese. It is a perfect meal for families or anyone looking for a warm and satisfying dinner. The blend of flavors from the beef, spices, and cheese makes each bite rich and filling. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a great option for a weeknight meal.

how to make Creamy Chili Mac with Cheese Sauce

Ingredients :

• 500 g ground beef
• 300 g macaroni
• 1 onion (100 g)
• 400 ml milk
• 200 g cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter (30 g)
• 2 tbsp flour (16 g)
• 1 tbsp chili powder (8 g)

Directions :

1. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked.
3. In another pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and stir for a minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens.
4. Add the chili powder to the sauce and mix well.
5. Combine the cooked beef and macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is well coated.
6. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

how to serve Creamy Chili Mac with Cheese Sauce

Serve Creamy Chili Mac with Cheese Sauce hot, directly from the pot or transferred to a serving dish. You can garnish it with some extra cheese on top or a sprinkle of chili flakes for added flavor. This dish goes well with a simple salad or some crusty bread on the side.

how to store Creamy Chili Mac with Cheese Sauce

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore its creaminess.

tips to make Creamy Chili Mac with Cheese Sauce

• For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños when browning the beef.
• Use a combination of different cheeses for a richer taste, like mozzarella or pepper jack.
• If you want a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or use whole wheat macaroni.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, like corn or black beans. For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with lentils or chickpeas.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving.

2. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package.

3. How can I make it spicier?
To spice it up, add extra chili powder or some hot sauce. You could also include diced jalapeños in the beef mixture.

Creamy Chili Mac with Cheese Sauce

A comforting dish that blends hearty chili with creamy macaroni and cheese, perfect for a warm family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 540

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 500 g ground beef
• 300 g macaroni
• 1 piece onion (100 g) Chopped
• 400 ml milk
• 200 g cheddar cheese Grated
• 2 tbsp butter (30 g) For the sauce
• 2 tbsp flour (16 g) For the roux
• 1 tbsp chili powder (8 g)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked.

Make Cheese Sauce

1. In another pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and stir for a minute to form a roux.
2. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until the sauce thickens.
3. Add the chili powder to the sauce and mix well.

Combine and Serve

1. Combine the cooked beef and macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is well coated.
2. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
3. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or chili flakes if desired.

Notes

For storing, let cool before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Add a splash of milk when reheating for creaminess.