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Chili Mac: Mac and Cheese Pasta Recipe

Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of both worlds—hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese. The rich, spiced chili is paired with tender macaroni pasta and creamy cheese sauce, making it a filling and flavorful meal.
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Equipment

  • - Large pot or Dutch oven
  • - Medium pot (for cooking pasta)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • - Wooden spoon or spatula
  • - Measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

  • #### For the Chili
  • - 1 lb ground beef
  • - 1 medium onion diced
  • - 2 cloves garlic minced
  • - 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • - 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
  • - 1 6 oz can tomato paste
  • - 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • - 1 teaspoon cumin
  • - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • - Salt and pepper to taste
  • - 1 cup beef broth or water
  • #### For the Mac and Cheese
  • - 2 cups elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
  • - 2 tablespoons butter
  • - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • - 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • **Cook the Pasta**
  • Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • **Prepare the Chili**
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute to toast the spices. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir everything together, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
  • **Make the Mac and Cheese Sauce**
  • While the chili is simmering, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a thick paste.
  • Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • **Combine the Chili and Mac and Cheese**
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the pot with the chili and stir to combine. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until the pasta is well coated and everything is combined.
  • **Serve**
  • Once everything is combined and heated through, serve the Chili Mac hot. You can top it with additional shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions for extra flavor.