Chili Mac & Cheese & The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
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Recipe Overview
Overview
Chili Mac & Cheese is a delightful twist on two beloved comfort foods, combining the hearty flavors of chili with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese. The recipe begins with boiling cavatappi pasta, which is ideal for holding onto the rich sauce. Ground beef is browned in a skillet, releasing savory flavors that are enhanced by the addition of diced onions, jalapeños, and fresh garlic. The seasoning mix, including cumin and chili powder, brings warmth and depth to the dish.
Once the beef and veggies are cooked, tomato paste and sauce are added, creating a robust base for the chili. After simmering for a while, the cooked pasta is folded in along with a blend of cheeses, resulting in a creamy, cheesy mixture that is both comforting and satisfying. The addition of honey and Worcestershire sauce adds a unique touch, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and enhancing the overall flavor.
For an extra layer of texture, a buttery panko topping is prepared and sprinkled on before baking, giving the dish a delightful crunch. After baking until bubbly and golden, this Chili Mac & Cheese is ready to serve, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings with friends. It’s a comforting meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Boil water in a large pot and heavily salt it.
Cook cavatappi pasta until al dente.
Tip: Flatten the ground beef to ensure good surface area contact with the skillet for even cooking.
Dice onions, bell pepper or jalapeno, and garlic.
Add 1.5 lbs of ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
Add diced onions, jalapeno, and garlic to the skillet with the beef.
Add cumin, two types of chili powder, garlic pepper seasoning, and all-purpose seasoning.
Tip: Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor if desired.
Stir in two tablespoons of tomato paste and one can of tomato sauce.
Let the chili simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Add Worcestershire sauce and honey to the chili.
Tip: Use honey to balance the acidity of cheaper tomato products.
Let the chili simmer for another 20-30 minutes.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with chicken bouillon powder and buttery garlic pepper seasoning.
Tip: Kill the heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a smooth sauce.
Stir in two cups of heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Slowly whisk in the cheeses until melted and smooth.
Fold the cooked cavatappi into the chili mixture.
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with cheese.
Bake in the oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes.
Let cool for 10-15 minutes before plating.
Tip: Place your casserole dish on a sheet pan to catch any overflow and prevent burning.
Tip: Season panko breadcrumbs with chili powder and Parmesan for added flavor.
Top with crispy Parmesan panko mixture before serving.
Tip: Top with crispy panko for texture and flavor enhancement.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Pasta
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Cavatappi pasta is spiral-shaped, allowing it to hold onto sauces better than traditional macaroni.
- •Using a mix of cheeses like Fontina, Cheddar, and Colby Jack enhances the creaminess and flavor of the dish.
- •Adding honey to chili helps balance acidity from the tomatoes.
- •Simmering the chili for 20-30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together.
