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Baked homemade chili mac topped with melted cheddar cheese and parsley

homemade chili mac recipe


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  • Author: Oprah
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 18 cups

Description

Rich homemade chili layered with creamy macaroni and cheese, baked until bubbly and golden.


Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef

1 small onion, diced

1/2 cup diced bell pepper

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices

1/2 cup chicken or beef broth

1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish


Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef for about 2 minutes. Add the diced onion and continue cooking for 5 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Stir in the bell pepper and garlic. Cook for about 4 minutes until softened.

3. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and tomato paste. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.

4. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, and broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.

5. Lower the heat and let the chili simmer partially covered while preparing the macaroni and cheese. Stir in the kidney beans during the final 10 minutes of simmering.

6. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

7. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

8. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

9. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. Gradually add the milk and continue stirring until smooth.

10. Bring the sauce to a light boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add the mustard powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce.

11. Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

12. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.

13. Fold the chili into the macaroni and cheese until combined to your liking.

14. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

15. Bake uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

16. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Cook the pasta only until al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.

Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

The chili can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Comfort Food
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American