Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (2024)

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Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (1)

Christine

Rating: 5 stars

06/05/2016

This recipe was absolutely delicious and very simple. The kids loved it and it reheated well for lunch the next day. I served it with a tossed green salad for a simple, complete meal. I know this recipe is lightened up, but I'm not a fan of fat free products. I used regular beef broth, 2% milk, regular cream cheese and regular sharp cheddar.

Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (2)

pearlpita

Rating: 5 stars

05/29/2015

I cut the chili powder in half and the water by 1/4 cup. It does taste better as a leftover...flavors have had a chance to blend.

Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (3)

CDuesing79

Rating: 1 stars

07/25/2014

Save your time and money and buy a box of Hamburger Helper - b/c that's exactly what this tastes like.

Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (4)

TriciaB725

Rating: 4 stars

06/09/2014

I thought this was very good--creamy, hearty, great comfort food. I made it with ground chicken and it worked fine. I did need to season it with a little salt and pepper. I've been eating it for a few days for lunch and dinner and it holds up well--I agree it's even better leftover. I took some over to my in-laws for their dinner and they thought it was delicious.

Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (5)

mel7art

Rating: 5 stars

09/11/2013

Delicious! I made it with the ingredients as stated other than adding a pinch of sea salt before I threw the noodles in and using a 14.5 oz can of tomatoes with chilies instead of a 10 oz can - I couldn't find that size. I cooked covered for 7 minutes and uncovered for 3 to evaporate some of the additional liquid. The flavor was fine - one 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes with chilies has enough kick for the flavor profile. Hubby had 2 helpings, need I say more?

Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (6)

celsus1011

Rating: 3 stars

05/21/2013

Pretty delicious, though it also clearly doesn't taste like the full-fat version, which is why I'd avoid serving it to company (**I** like lower-fat versions and am used to them, but my guests may not be). Also, I don't know why, but I didn't enjoy it very much fresh-made... I think it gets better if you let it sit a bit. I froze some for later meals and it really hits the spot when you need something substantial that tastes like comfort food. It DOES freeze beautifully. Would definitely make a big batch to freeze for lunches or quick no-fuss dinners in the future.

Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (7)

LCD424

Rating: 4 stars

02/03/2013

I thought this recipe turned out very well and my family enjoyed it - including my 2 year old! I did not have a problem with the liquid, though the can of beef stock I used wasn't quite 2 cups and I used slightly more beef since I couldn't find a 3/4 lb package. The taste was not bland, as others described it, but I did use a "chili" version of Rotel so that may have helped with the spiciness. Overall, this was a good recipe that was quick and easy and I will definitely make it again.

Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (8)

JackieP021

Rating: 5 stars

05/01/2012

This recipe is similar to hamburger helper, but not disgusting. I left in the water, and had my doubts at first. Glad I did because when it is reheated it wasn't sticky, but plenty moist. Super easy. Even the baby liked it.

Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (9)

JenniferM

Rating: 4 stars

04/03/2012

This was so easy to make and tasty- our family of 4 devoured the entire thing. I would probably leave out the water next time- I just cooked the dish longer to reduce the liquid. Also would use a super-sharp cheddar next time to give it more flavor. I ended up adding more cheese than what was called for.

Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (10)

steponme

Rating: 3 stars

04/02/2012

This is a good, quick weeknight meal. I also took the advice of earlier reviews, left out the water & kicked up the spice. Served with a garden salad.

Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (11)

morknotmindy

Rating: 5 stars

03/28/2012

This was great! Very easy to make, well liked by the family. I did use the suggestions here in the review section to add more of the seasoning and cut out the water. I did that and it turned out really well. Definitely will make again!

Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (12)

wendydshaw

Rating: 4 stars

03/25/2012

My family of 3 ate the entire recipe in one sitting, so that says something! Next time, I will add another can of Rotel, drained or some drained salsa. I flet like I needed a little more acid to cut the chalkiness of the cream cheese in the sauce. My husband and I also added Texas Pete to kick up the heat a bit. Very kid friendly!

Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (13)

JoannahK

Rating: 3 stars

03/24/2012

I didn't have a problem with using the water, the consistency came out fine for me, but I did let it get to a rapid boil first and cooked the macaroni for an extra minute or two. Used a 14.5oz can of tomatoes and a shredded Mexican cheese blend. When all was said and done I found it kind of bland, like Hamburger Helper without all the salt, so I added more of all the spices. Next time I will double the spice from the get-go and use diced tomatoes w/ jalapenos.That said, this recipe was so easy and quick that it is totally worth the extra effort to get the spice just right for your tastes. No prep, no fuss, no muss.

Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (14)

amyjoi

Rating: 4 stars

03/20/2012

Thank you, Nan1016, for your comment about leaving out the water. I used at 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes with chilies and left out the water. It was cooked to the perfect consistency, in my opinion. Thanks for a fun, fast, kid-friendly recipe.

Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (15)

Nan1016

Rating: 3 stars

03/20/2012

This was tasty but had too much liquid. I had to add flour to thicken the sauce, next time I make it I would leave out the water and just add it as needed.

Chili-Cheese Mac Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What to put in chili to make it taste better? ›

A cup of strong, brewed coffee will work wonders for your pot of chili, imparting a deep, roasted flavor that will make the chili taste like it simmered away all day long. For maximum flavor, reduce the coffee along with a blend of tomato paste, aromatic veggies and spices like we do in our Spicy Vegetarian Chili.

What do you eat with chili mac? ›

Serving Suggestions

This is a hearty meal on its own, but I love serving it with some cornbread. It would also go well with a side salad or even some biscuits! To make The Best One-Pot Chili Mac Recipe, start by browning your ground beef with the onion and garlic.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

Why add vinegar to chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

What kind of cheese goes in chili? ›

What kind of cheese goes well with chili? Any kind of shredded cheese would be good on chili but my favorite is definitely shredded sharp cheddar cheese. White cheddar, mozzarella, smoked gouda, and pepper jack cheese are other great toppings for chili.

What gives chili its flavor? ›

The very best way to take any type of chili to the next level is to make your own blend of spices. The best spice for chili is chili seasoning, which usually contains ground chilies, garlic powder, ground cumin and Mexican oregano.

Does chili need tomato paste? ›

Tomato paste is a great way to add bonus tomato flavor, and thickness, to a chili recipe. To get the best flavor it needs to be browned. Add a couple tablespoons (or a whole can if you want a thicker soup base) directly to the pan after cooking the meat and onions.

What liquid is best for chili? ›

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What does cinnamon do for chili? ›

Gives the chili a hint of chocolate flavor as well as the richness from the beer. I have added it many times - in my opinion it should be a very small amount - I don't want to taste it, but I want it to enhance the intended flavors. A tiny bit of cinnamon really brings out the taste of the chilis.

What is chili mac made of? ›

Chili mac is a dish prepared using chili con carne and macaroni as primary ingredients, which is often topped or intermingled with cheese. Some versions are made using prepared or homemade macaroni and cheese.

Is goulash the same as chili mac? ›

What's the Difference Between Chili Mac and Goulash? Chili mac is very similar to American goulash — a one-pot meal made with ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. American goulash, however, doesn't call for evaporated milk, and also isn't made with beans.

Why is it called chili mac? ›

Why is it called Chili Mac? Because it is chili mixed with macaroni.

How does Martha Stewart make chili? ›

Add chili powder, cocoa, and tomato paste; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Add tomatoes, broth, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until thickened slightly, 25 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; serve with sour cream and chives.

How do you make chili taste more meaty? ›

Ground Beef: Provides the hearty meaty base for the chili. Opt for 85% lean; the fat enriches the meat, enhancing the dish's overall flavor and texture. And don't stress about the fat—post-cooking, it's easy to skim off any excess. Baking Soda: Helps tenderize the beef by locking in moisture, making it more succulent.

Is chili better the longer it cooks? ›

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili. Yes, a quick chili is most welcome on weeknights, but it won't have quite the same results. A slow cooker works wonders, but if you're short on time, try a pressure cooker.

What spices make chili hotter? ›

Bring on the Heat

Canned tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, ground black pepper and cayenne all add varying amounts of heat to the chili. If you want to really turn things up, use hot chili powder and the full amount of cayenne pepper. Also, make sure your spices are fresh.

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