30 Minute Cheesy Chili Mac
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30 Minute Cheesy Chili Mac – Two favorite comfort foods come together in one super cheesy, quick and easy dish!
Once upon a time I didn’t know a thing about cooking. Whaaaaaattt???
It’s true. I didn’t. Not only did I not know anything about it, I was in fact 100% awful at it. Now, I know you don’t understand the full magnitude of that statement so I’m going to convince you by telling you that one time when I was tending my sister’s children I actually ruined mac and cheese. The boxed kind. You know? The instant mac and cheese with the packet of fake cheese stuff?
Pretty unbelievable, I know. But it happened. Believe it y’all.
That earlier version of me fell far from the tree because my mother is a fantastic cook. For some reason it just took me a little longer to get on board and learn a thing or two from her. But she made mac and cheese like a pro. Real mac and cheese. Not the instant boxed stuff. She also made chili like it was nobody’s business. So I grew up with a love of both mac and cheese and chili. It was only a matter of time before the two came together in one fantastic comfort food dish.
Just like my mother, I keep my kitchen pantry well-stocked with about a bazillion spices. I’m a bit of a spice addict actually, and a whole section of my spice collection consists of McCormick’s red cap collection. One of my absolute favorites is their chipotle chili pepper. It’s a little bit spicier than regular chili powder and I love that smoky chipotle flavor. If you can get your hands on some I highly recommend using it for this chili mac. If you have regular chili powder that will work too though – the choice is yours!
This dish is the perfect mash up of two classic comfort foods and comes together in just 30 minutes – you can’t beat that! We’re ditching traditional macaroni and regular old chili for this amped up super cheesy chili mac. You’ve gotta try it, it’ll be an instant family favorite!
30 Minute Cheesy Chili Mac
Ingredients
- 10 ounces uncooked macaroni noodles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans chili, (use your favorite)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder, or Chipotle Chili Pepper
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- optional: chopped cilantro or parsley
Instructions
- Add noodles and broth to a large stock pot. Bring to a boil and cook until noodles are tender – about 9-13 minutes. Reduce to medium-low heat.
- Stir in chili, bell peppers, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt and pepper. Allow to cook for 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top of the chili-noodle mixture. Cover the pot for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted. Serve immediately and garnish with parsley or cilantro as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This awesome recipe is being sponsored by McCormick – thanks for letting me work with the brands I love to keep this here blog going!
You used to have a different recipe for instant pot chili Mac that I loved but can find now. Where can I find that one posted?
I’m sorry but I haven’t had an instant pot version of this recipe. Was it perhaps another similar recipe you’re thinking of?
2 cans of chili? Do you mean chili flavored beans? I’ve never seen canned chili- I always make chili.
There are cans of chili, it makes things so much easier! The most common brands are Nalley and Normel. You can get them at Walmart, Smith’s, Target, among others
Another great part about using canned chili for this type of cooking is that you can find plenty of recipes online to use as you get started. The internet is a wonderful place to find all sorts of different ways to prepare food and also find out how to cook it the right way. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Kids loved this recipe. I added in minced kale to hide some nutrition.
Ok good! LOL Thanks so much for the speedy reply!! Going to make it this weekend!! : ) Love your website!!
This looks so great but I have a what I feel as dumb question!
Do you drain the noodles?? Or keep the broth in and add all the other ingredients??
Thanks! : )
Hi! Not a dumb question, you don’t drain it – most of the liquid gets absorbed by the noodles anyway!
Recipe perfection right here! I love dinners like this, its a given that my littles will actually clean their plates!
Mmm – this looks yummy! I’ve never bought a canned chili – what kind do you recommend?
This recipe looks so warm and comforting for a weeknight dinner! 🙂 I LOVE mac and cheese as well as chili, so combining the two is a match made in heaven!
Dani | http://www.styledvariety.com
Hey Dani!! I’m right there with you – heavenly match for sure!! And perfect for the in-coming cooler weather right?!
hey girl- I grew up on stuff like this!! SO yummy! My Mom is a great cook to!
Doesn’t it just scream COMFORT FOOD from your childhood?! Gotta love mama’s cooking!