Bellybustin Chili Mac Comfort Food Overload
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Fancy a hug in a bowl?
Ever crave comfort food that's both hearty and easy? This Chili Mac Recipe - Belly is your answer! We're talking cheesy, meaty goodness in every single bite.
It's the ultimate Favorite Comfort Food .
Brief Overview: Down Home Deliciousness
Chili Mac And Cheese is a classic dish, a fusion of American comfort food. It's super easy to make, taking about 45 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe yields 6-8 servings. Perfect for a Family dinner ideas or even for you to binge!.
Main Benefits: Soul Satisfying Goodness
This Easy chili mac recipe is packed with protein and is an amazing source of fiber. It is perfect for those chilly nights when you need something warm and filling.
What makes this recipe special? It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
What You'll Need for This Belly Bustin' Chili Mac
Ready to get started? Here are the ingredients you'll need.
For the Chili
Grab some olive oil, onions, green bell pepper and about 450g of ground beef. You will also need garlic, canned diced tomatoes, kidney and pinto beans plus tomato sauce.
For spice, we will use chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper.
For the Mac and Cheese Magic
You'll need elbow macaroni, butter, flour, and milk for the cheese sauce. And of course, a mountain of cheddar cheese! About 4 cups should do the trick.
You want the Cheesy chili mac , right?
Equipment: Tools of the Trade
You will need a large pot, a saucepan, a colander, and something to stir with. Also, you will need a cheese grater if you're not using pre-shredded cheese.
Cooking up the Perfect Pot of Chili Mac
This isn't just any One Pot Chili Mac but it tastes as if it was!
Kickstart Your Chili
First, you're gonna start with the chili. Sauté those veggies, brown the beef, and add the spices. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Trust me , the longer it simmers, the better it tastes.
Make the Cheese Sauce
While the chili simmers, cook the macaroni and make the cheese sauce. Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, and then the glorious cheddar. We're talking proper cheese sauce, you know?
Combine and Conquer
Finally, mix the macaroni and cheese with the chili. Serve it hot with your favorite toppings. Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions.
Go wild! This Quick chili mac is worth the extra mile!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. This Chili Mac Recipe - Belly is all about simple ingredients. Plus, you probably already have most of this stuff in your pantry.
It's truly the definition of comfort food recipes , isn't it?
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). This kickstarts our One Pot Chili .
- Yellow Onion: 1 large (approx. 200g), chopped. This equates to about 1 cup. A good onion should be firm.
- Green Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped. Again, about 1 cup. A shiny, firm pepper is ideal.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g). Go for about 80/20 for flavor.
- Minced Garlic: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Fresh is best, you know?
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (15 ounce) can. Undrained, please!
- Kidney Beans: 1 (15 ounce) can. Rinsed and drained, of course.
- Pinto Beans: 1 (15 ounce) can. Same as above.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (8 ounce) can.
- Chili Powder: 1/4 cup (30g). Fresh chili powder is more vibrant.
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5 ml).
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml). Adds a lovely smoky depth.
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml). Optional, for some heat.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5 ml), to taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml), to taste.
- Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound (450g). Elbows are classic for Cheesy Chili Mac .
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (115g). 1 stick.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (60g).
- Whole Milk: 3 cups (700 ml). Makes it extra creamy.
- Cheddar Cheese: 4 cups (400g), shredded. Sharp or mild, your choice.
These are the absolute basics for Chili Mac And Cheese , honestly!.
Seasoning Notes: It's All About the Flavor
For that Essential spice combination , don't skimp on the chili powder and cumin. They really bring that chili flavor.
For Flavor enhancers and aromatics , Smoked paprika adds a depth you wouldn't believe. You can sub the smoked paprika for regular paprika.
Quick substitution options ? If you don't have cumin, a little bit of oregano will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven. For making the chili. A normal saucepan will do!.
- Large Saucepan. For the cheesy goodness.
- Colander. To drain the pasta.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula. For stirring.
- Cheese Grater. If you're using a block of cheese. Pre-shredded stuff sometimes doesn't melt as well.
That's it! Nothing too fancy. This Easy chili mac recipe is all about getting dinner on the table with minimal fuss.
It is also a great example of Family dinner ideas that will make everyone happy!
This recipe is really close to my heart, because I can't think of a better example of Favorite Comfort Food , that is also an One Pot Chili Mac .
Belly Bustin' Chili Mac: Comfort Food Overload!
This ain't your mum's mac and cheese. Oh my gosh, it's so good. We're talking a seriously satisfying Chili Mac Recipe - Belly , where creamy, cheesy macaroni meets hearty, flavorful chili.
Perfect for a midweek family dinner or a game day gathering. Honestly, this easy chili mac recipe takes the best of both worlds.
It combines them into one glorious, comforting dish. It's a simple recipe with big flavor.
Prep time is about 15 minutes , cook time 30 minutes . Total time is just 45 minutes .
Dinner's sorted! The Chili Mac And Cheese is the Favorite Comfort Food .
Prep Steps for Chili Mac Goodness
Essential mise en place is key, right? Chop that large yellow onion (about 200g ) and a green bell pepper.
Get your ground beef ( 450g ) ready to rumble. Measure out those spices too. Having everything ready makes life so much easier.
Time saving tip: While the chili simmers, get the pasta boiling. Double duty cooking, you know? This really helps the quick chili mac come together quick.
This One Pot Chili Mac will make you have the most wonderful food experience.
step-by-step: From "Uh-Oh" to "Oh Yeah!"
Start the Chili: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
Add 450g ground beef and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned. Don't forget to drain any excess fat!
Stir in 1 can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 can kidney beans (rinsed), 1 can pinto beans (rinsed), 1 can tomato sauce, 1/4 cup chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
Simmer time. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Then, reduce heat. Cook for 15- 20 minutes , stirring now and then. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld.
Cook the Macaroni: While the chili simmers, cook 450g elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Nobody likes mushy pasta in their cheesy chili mac .
Make the Cheese Sauce: In another saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/2 cup flour and cook for 1- 2 minutes .
This makes a roux and keeps the sauce smooth. Gradually whisk in 3 cups milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Remove from heat. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Loads of cheese!
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir to coat. Pour the One Pot Chili mixture into the pot with the chili.
Stir to combine. Serve hot, topped with your favourite goodies. It's the ideal family dinner ideas .
Pro Tips and Secrets
Cheese, please. Use a mix of cheeses for a crazy flavor. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are ace additions.
Common mistake to avoid? Overcooking the pasta! Al dente is the way to go. This comfort food recipes is amazing and I am pretty sure that you will love it.
Recipe Notes for the BEST Belly Bustin' Chili Mac
This Chili Mac Recipe - Belly is seriously the ultimate comfort food. I've made it so many times, and it's always a hit.
Trust me, you'll want to bookmark this one! It's one of my Favorite Comfort Food recipes, period. I mean, what's better than a big bowl of Cheesy chili mac on a cold night? I can almost smell it now!
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Okay, so how do you make this Chili Mac look as good as it tastes? Honestly, presentation matters. First, heap a generous serving into a bowl.
Then, sprinkle with extra shredded cheese. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a nice tang. Finally, some chopped green onions offer a pop of colour.
Serve with a side of crusty bread. It's perfect for soaking up all that amazing sauce. As for drinks, try a cold beer, like a lager, or refreshing iced tea.
This Chili Mac Recipe is a real crowd pleaser.
Storage Secrets: Keeping It Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Chili Mac in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to three days.
For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just let it cool completely first. Then, portion it into freezer safe bags or containers.
It'll keep in the freezer for up to two months. When reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Then, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat. You can also microwave it, but do it in short bursts. Stir often to prevent it from drying out.
Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to restore the creamy consistency. Now, this Easy chili mac recipe can be enjoyed any time!
Remix Time: Variations on a Theme
Want to mix things up? No worries, this recipe is super adaptable! For a vegetarian version, simply swap out the ground beef.
Use plant based ground or extra beans and veggies. To add some heat, toss in a can of diced green chilies.
A pinch of red pepper flakes works too. For a gluten-free Quick chili mac , use gluten-free pasta. It's easy! You can make this recipe fit any dietary needs.
You're not alone if you get bored of the same Comfort food recipes , this is how you make them shine.
I like to mix it up and try new combos of cheese as well
Nutrition Nuggets: A Quick Glance
Okay, let's talk nutrition. This Chili Mac Recipe is packed with protein from the beef and beans. It also has carbs for energy from the pasta.
Beans adds good fiber. It's got calcium from the cheese. I think this One Pot Chili Mac provides a balanced meal for Family dinner ideas .
Each serving provides around 650-750 calories, 35-40g of protein, 30-35g of fat, and 60-70g of carbohydrates. This One Pot Chili has nutrients to fuel your body.
It also brings a smile to your face!
Honestly, this Belly Bustin' Chili Mac And Cheese is so easy and delicious. Don't be afraid to experiment with it. Have fun in the kitchen! You’ve got this!. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have all the ingredients listed in this Chili Mac Recipe - Belly? Can I make substitutions?
Absolutely! This Chili Mac is very flexible. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Kidney beans can be replaced with black beans, and you can use any cheese you fancy instead of cheddar - Monterey Jack is lovely! Just think of it as a "make do and mend" sort of dish.
How can I spice up or down this Chili Mac Recipe - Belly? My family has different heat preferences!
No worries, mate! To increase the heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favourite hot sauce. A can of diced green chilies also works wonders. For a milder flavour, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper, and ensure your chili powder isn't too spicy to begin with.
Remember, you can always add more spice, but it's harder to take it away!
Can I make this Chili Mac ahead of time, like on a Sunday for the week ahead?
You certainly can. This Chili Mac actually tastes even better the next day as the flavours meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water if it seems too thick.
You can also freeze it for longer storage, but the pasta texture may change slightly after thawing.
I'm trying to watch my waistline. Is there a way to make this Chili Mac Recipe - Belly healthier?
Good on you for being mindful! You can make some healthier swaps. Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, reduce the amount of cheese, or use a lower fat cheese. You could also incorporate more vegetables, such as chopped zucchini or carrots, into the chili.
Swapping in whole wheat pasta for regular pasta can also bump up the fibre content!
Why is it important to cook the pasta "al dente" for this Chili Mac Recipe - Belly?
Cooking the pasta al dente, meaning "to the tooth" in Italian, is key because it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot chili and cheese sauce. If you overcook the pasta initially, it will become mushy and unpleasant in the final dish.
Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture much better, ensuring a more enjoyable Chili Mac experience.
Can I make this Chili Mac in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and peppers as directed, then transfer everything (except the macaroni and cheese sauce ingredients) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
About 30 minutes before serving, cook the macaroni, prepare the cheese sauce and combine all ingredients. It's a great "set it and forget it" option!
Bellybustin Chili Mac Comfort Food Overload
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650-750 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30-35g |
| Fiber | 8-10g |