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To make Minute Chili Mac and Cheese, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup elbow macaroni - 1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup milk - 1 tablespoon olive oil - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work together to create a rich and hearty dish. For a fresh touch, consider these garnishes: - Fresh cilantro - Fresh parsley Both add color and flavor to your dish. You can sprinkle them on top right before serving. You can swap out some ingredients based on what you have: - Use any pasta shape instead of elbow macaroni. - Try different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack. - If you want a healthier option, use low-fat milk. - For a meatier dish, add cooked ground beef or turkey. - If you want it vegan, use plant-based chili and cheese. These swaps let you customize the recipe to your taste or diet. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a medium saucepan. Fill it with 4 cups of water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once it bubbles, add 1 cup of elbow macaroni. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes. You want it to be al dente, so it has a little bite. When it’s done, drain the macaroni in a colander. Set it aside for now. While the macaroni cooks, it's time to make the chili mixture. In a separate bowl, combine 1 can of chili, ½ cup of milk, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor. Stir this mix well until all the ingredients blend. This mixture adds a rich taste to your dish. Now that your macaroni and chili mixture are ready, it’s time to combine them. Return the drained macaroni to the saucepan. Pour the chili mixture over the macaroni. Use medium heat to warm it all up. Stir gently to combine everything well. Next, gradually add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. This takes about 2 minutes. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Once it thickens slightly, remove it from heat. Serve hot and add fresh cilantro or parsley on top if you like. Enjoy your Minute Chili Mac and Cheese! To make a creamy cheese sauce, use shredded cheese, not blocks. Shredded cheese melts better and blends well. Add cheese slowly while stirring. This helps it melt smoothly. Start with warm chili and milk mix. The heat helps the cheese melt faster. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk. This keeps it creamy. One common mistake is cooking cheese too long. This can make it grainy. Stir constantly when adding cheese to avoid clumps. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste your dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Lastly, don’t rush the rest period before serving. Letting it sit a few minutes thickens the sauce. To boost flavor, add spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder. These give depth to the dish. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add brightness. If you enjoy heat, try adding jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also mix in cooked vegetables for extra nutrition. Consider using different beans in the chili for varied texture. Pro Tips Use Quality Chili: Opt for a good quality canned chili for enhanced flavor. If you have time, try making your own chili from scratch for a personal touch. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor that melts beautifully. Add Veggies: Incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers or corn into the chili mixture for added nutrition and texture. Just sauté them briefly before adding the chili. Make it Spicy: If you enjoy heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mixture to amp up the spice level. {{image_2}} You can easily make Minute Chili Mac and Cheese vegetarian. Start by using vegetarian chili. Look for canned versions with beans and veggies. This simple swap keeps the dish full of flavor. You can also add cooked lentils or black beans for extra protein. Adding diced bell peppers or zucchini can enhance texture and taste. If you like spice, there are many ways to heat up your dish. You can mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Adding cayenne pepper to the chili mixture gives it a kick. For a smoky flavor, use chipotle chili powder. Adjust the heat to match your taste. Changing a few ingredients can create new flavors in your dish. Try using different types of cheese, like pepper jack or gouda. You can also swap the elbow macaroni for penne or shells. If you want a creamier sauce, use more milk or add cream cheese. For a hearty touch, mix in corn or spinach. Each swap can make your meal unique. To store your Minute Chili Mac and Cheese, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, store it in smaller portions. This way, you can just grab what you need. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, you can reheat them easily. Pour the chili mac into a saucepan over low heat. Stir often to ensure even warming. You can also add a splash of milk to make it creamy again. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze your chili mac, it’s simple. First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer bags. Make sure to squeeze out the air. This will help keep it fresh. You can freeze it for up to three months. To defrost, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use different cheeses. Try Monterey Jack for a mild flavor. Pepper Jack adds a nice kick. You can also mix cheeses for a richer taste. Just remember, the melting quality matters. Cheddar melts well, so it’s a good choice. To make this dish dairy-free, use plant-based cheese. Look for brands that melt well. Substitute milk with almond or oat milk. These options keep the dish creamy. You can also skip cheese and add more spices for flavor. You can add many fun ingredients! Try diced bell peppers for crunch. Corn adds sweetness and texture. Black olives or jalapeños give it a kick. For a protein boost, add cooked chicken or turkey. Beans can also enhance the dish and add fiber. In this post, I covered the key steps to make chili mac and cheese. We discussed the ingredients you need and some optional garnishes to enhance flavor. You learned how to avoid common mistakes and ways to achieve a creamy texture. We also explored fun variations and how to store leftovers for later. Chili mac and cheese is versatile, and you can easily make it your own. Enjoy cooking and savor the rich, comforting flavors of this dish!

Minute Chili Mac and Cheese

A quick and easy dish combining macaroni, chili, and cheese for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and a pinch of salt. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes.
  • While the macaroni cooks, in a separate bowl, combine the chili, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
  • Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and return it to the saucepan.
  • Pour the chili mixture into the saucepan with the macaroni. Stir to combine over medium heat.
  • Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and creamy, about 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for added flavor.
Keyword chili, mac and cheese, quick meal