Chili Macaroni and Cheese

Chili Macaroni and Cheese Recipe - Classic American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

History

The origins of Chili Macaroni and Cheese are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States as a way to combine two popular comfort foods - chili and macaroni and cheese. This dish has since become a staple in many households and is often enjoyed during the colder months.

Ingredients

1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 cups (8 oz or 227 g) macaroni
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 small red onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 red bell pepper, chopped
8 oz (227 g) lean ground beef
2 tsp chili powder
1.5 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
0.5 tsp dried oregano
1 15 oz (425 g) can kidney beans, undrained
1 14.5 oz (411 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups regular or skimmed/low-fat milk
4 oz (113 g) cream cheese
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar or colby-Jack, reserving 1 cup for garnishing
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
3 green onions, chopped
corn chips, such as Tostitos Scoops, for serving if desired

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400° F.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add some salt and then the macaroni.
Cook the macaroni al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the red onions and cook, covered, until soft, for a couple of minutes.
Add the garlic and bell peppers to the pot and cook for an additional 2 to 5 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the ground beef and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, stirring to break up the beef into small pieces.
Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano to the pot. Cook until the spices are fragrant.
Add the beans and their liquid, the tomatoes and their juices, and the tomato paste to the pot. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
In a separate saucepot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking, for 1 minute.
Whisk in the milk and raise the heat to high. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, whisking, until thickened.
Remove the saucepot from the heat and whisk in the cream cheese, Cheddar or Colby-Jack, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Mix in the chili.
Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and top with additional Cheddar or Colby-Jack and green onions.
Serve hot as is or with corn chips, side dishes, main dishes, or appetizers.

Variations

Add diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the chili for an extra kick of heat.
Use different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, in place of kidney beans.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, in the cheese sauce.
Top the dish with crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the macaroni al dente so that it doesn't become mushy when combined with the chili and cheese sauce.

- Feel free to customize the spices in the chili to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano depending on how spicy you like your chili.

- For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can omit the ground beef and use additional beans or vegetables instead.

- To save time, you can prepare the chili and cheese sauce ahead of time and then combine them with the cooked macaroni when you're ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Chili Macaroni and Cheese can be served on its own as a main dish, or paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the macaroni al dente so that it doesn't become mushy when combined with the chili and cheese sauce.

- When making the cheese sauce, be sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

- Simmer the chili for at least 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef.

- Gluten-free pasta can be used in place of regular macaroni.

- Vegetable broth can be used in place of milk for a dairy-free version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

The chili and cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat them on the stove before combining with the cooked macaroni.

- The entire dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days. Bake in the oven until heated through before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chili Macaroni and Cheese in individual ramekins for a fun and elegant presentation. - Garnish the dish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapenos for a pop of color and flavor. - Serve the dish with a side of sour cream or guacamole for added creaminess.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chili Macaroni and Cheese with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.

- Serve the dish alongside a cold beer or a glass of red wine for a satisfying meal.

- For a complete meal, pair the dish with a side of cornbread or garlic bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chili Macaroni and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- To reheat, place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

480

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 24g

- Saturated Fat: 12g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 24g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20%

- Vitamin C: 30%

- Calcium: 30%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains dairy (milk, cream cheese, Cheddar or Colby-Jack)

- Contains wheat (macaroni, all-purpose flour)

Summary

Chili Macaroni and Cheese is a rich and satisfying dish that is high in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron.

Summary

Chili Macaroni and Cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of chili with the creaminess of macaroni and cheese. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd at a gathering. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a satisfying and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. As I sat at her kitchen table, savoring the aroma of simmering spices, she handed me a steaming bowl of her famous Chili Macaroni and Cheese.

I took a hesitant bite, unsure of what to expect from this unusual combination of flavors. But as soon as the warm, cheesy pasta and spicy chili hit my taste buds, I was hooked. The creamy texture of the macaroni perfectly complemented the bold, savory taste of the chili, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that I couldn't get enough of.

Mrs. Jenkins smiled knowingly as she watched me devour the meal, and I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. She chuckled and told me that it was a family secret, passed down through generations, but she promised to teach me how to make it.

And so, every Saturday for the next few months, I would visit Mrs. Jenkins's kitchen and learn the ins and outs of making her delicious Chili Macaroni and Cheese. She showed me how to brown the ground beef and onions, how to season the chili with just the right amount of cumin and paprika, and how to mix in the creamy cheese sauce and tender macaroni to create a perfect balance of flavors.

As I practiced making the dish under Mrs. Jenkins's watchful eye, I learned more than just a recipe. I learned the importance of patience and attention to detail in cooking, the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones, and the power of tradition and memory in creating a connection to the past.

Eventually, Mrs. Jenkins deemed me ready to make the Chili Macaroni and Cheese on my own, and I eagerly invited my family over for a dinner party to showcase my newfound culinary skills. As they sat around the table, eagerly digging into their bowls of piping hot chili mac and cheese, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction that I had never experienced before.

From that day on, the recipe for Chili Macaroni and Cheese became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for special occasions, lazy Sunday afternoons, or just whenever I needed a comforting and hearty meal to warm me up from the inside out.

Over the years, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different types of cheese, adding in extra veggies or spices, and even trying it with ground turkey instead of beef. But no matter how many variations I made, the basic foundation of Mrs. Jenkins's original recipe always remained the same, comforting me with its familiar flavors and reminding me of the special bond I shared with my dear friend.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing a pot of Chili Macaroni and Cheese for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile as I think back to that fateful day when Mrs. Jenkins first introduced me to this delicious dish. I am grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the friendship that her recipe has brought into my life, and I hope that my grandchildren will one day pass down the tradition of making Chili Macaroni and Cheese to their own loved ones, just as I have done.