Chili Mac and Cheese Bake

When comfort food cravings hit, nothing satisfies quite like a hearty Chili Mac and Cheese Bake. This crowd-pleasing dish combines two beloved classics – chili and mac and cheese – into one irresistible casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Let me show you how to make this ultimate comfort food that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Ingredients:

• Main Ingredients:
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Optional Additions:
  • 1 diced bell pepper
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • Jalapeños for extra heat
  • Sour cream for serving
  • Green onions for garnish
• Pro Tips:
  • Use block cheese and grate it yourself for better melting
  • For metric measurements: 1 pound = 450g
  • Ground turkey can substitute for beef
  • Gluten-free pasta and flour can be used for dietary restrictions

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep Work (15 mins):
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
   • Boil pasta until just al dente (1-2 minutes less than package directions)
   • Tip: Slightly undercook pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven
2. Make the Chili (20 mins):
   • Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat
   • Add onions and garlic when beef is halfway cooked
   • Stir in chili powder and cumin
   • Add tomatoes and beans
   • Tip: Break up meat finely while cooking for better texture
3. Cheese Sauce (10 mins):
   • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat
   • Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute
   • Gradually add milk, whisking constantly
   • Add 2 cups of cheese, stirring until melted
   • Warning: Keep whisking to prevent lumps
4. Assembly and Baking (25 mins):
   • Combine pasta, chili, and cheese sauce in a large baking dish
   • Top with remaining cheese
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden

Key Details:

🕒 Total Time: 70 minutes (Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 45 mins)
🍽️ Servings: 8-10 people
🔥 Calories: ~450 per serving
⚙️ Equipment: Large pot, skillet, saucepan, 9×13 baking dish, whisk

Pro Tips & Variations:

• For extra creaminess, add 4 oz cream cheese to the sauce
• Create a crispy top by adding breadcrumbs before baking
• Make it spicier with diced chipotles in adobo
• For meal prep, assemble everything but bake just before serving

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerate: Keeps for 3-4 days in an airtight container
• Freeze: Up to 3 months in freezer-safe container
• Reheat: Add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I make this ahead? Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and bake when needed
• Can I use different beans? Black or pinto beans work great
• How do I prevent it from drying out? Don’t overbake and ensure pasta is properly coated with sauce
• Can I make it vegetarian? Use plant-based ground meat and beans for protein