Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup that brings together two family favorites. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, transforming leftover chili into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a hearty dish that’s guaranteed to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe :
- Quick and Easy: Transform your leftover chili into a hearty meal in just 20 minutes. You can find my chili recipe here.
- Creamy and Cheesy: The rich cheese sauce takes this dish to the next level.
- Minimal Waste: A great way to repurpose chili and avoid food waste.
- Customizable: Garnish with your favorite toppings to suit your taste.
- Comfort Food Classic: A family-friendly meal perfect for any day of the week.
Substitutions
- Heavy Cream: Swap with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Butter: Use olive oil or margarine if preferred.
- Cheese: Try a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for added flavor.
- Chili: Any type of chili works—beef, turkey, vegetarian, or vegan.
- Pasta: Use any short pasta like elbow macaroni, penne, or shells.
Pro Tips
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: It helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Customize Your Heat: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the cheese sauce if you love extra spice.
- Make it a One-Pan Dish: Use an oven-safe skillet and broil the finished dish with extra cheese on top for a crispy finish.
Recipe!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of cooked pasta (half a box)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I used smoked gouda but you can use your favorite)
- 2 cups premade chili
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine.
- Add the Cheese: Once the mixture begins to simmer, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Incorporate the Chili: Add the premade chili to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine evenly.
- Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the chili-cheese mixture, tossing until the pasta is fully coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Serve warm and enjoy!
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Chili Mac and Cheese
Transform leftover chili into a creamy and cheesy Chili Mac and Cheese! A quick, comforting dinner ready in 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- 1 large pot and strainer
- 1 large saute pan
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of cooked pasta half a box
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 cups premade chili
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine.
- Add the Cheese: Once the mixture begins to simmer, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Incorporate the Chili: Add the premade chili to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine evenly.
- Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the chili-cheese mixture, tossing until the pasta is fully coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Serve warm and enjoy!
