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chili mixture shortly.
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Step 2: Prepare the Chili
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, remove any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and kidney beans (or any beans you prefer). Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes on low heat. The sauce should thicken, and the flavors will meld together.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
While the chili simmers, you can make the creamy cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to make a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce starts to thicken (this should take about 3-5 minutes). Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Chili and Mac
Add the cooked macaroni into the chili mixture and stir to combine. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and chili, mixing everything together until the macaroni is fully coated and everything is well combined. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your creamy chili mac is fully combined, serve it hot! You can garnish with extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream if you like. This dish is hearty enough to be a main course on its own, but it also pairs well with a fresh side salad or cornbread.
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Creamy Chili Mac
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like things spicier, feel free to add jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to the chili. On the flip side, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder or cumin.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and replace it with vegetarian crumbles or additional beans (black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas all work well). You can still follow the same steps for a delicious, meat-free chili mac.
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach while cooking the chili. They’ll blend seamlessly into the flavors and add more texture and color to the dish.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can try adding other cheeses like monterey jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Make Ahead: This creamy chili mac makes great leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep the creaminess intact.
Why This Creamy Chili Mac Recipe Is So Special
This Homemade Creamy Chili Mac is more than just a comforting dish—it’s a full meal that satisfies all your cravings. The creamy cheese sauce coats the pasta beautifully, while the chili provides rich, savory depth and a slight kick of heat. The combination of the chili and cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s both indulgent and comforting.
It’s also a very customizable recipe. Whether you like your chili mac spicy or mild, with meat or without, there’s plenty of room for you to make this dish your own. Plus, it’s a perfect option for feeding a crowd, as it’s easy to double or triple the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Creamy Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a dish that will satisfy a hungry crowd, this recipe is a winner.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something hearty and creamy, give this chili mac recipe a try. With its blend of chili and mac and cheese, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection! Enjoy!
