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 secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Rumi Spice's top tips for making chili:
  • Brown the Meat.
  • Don't Forget Vegetables.
  • Elevate with Extra Flavor.
  • Only Add Flavorful Liquids.
  • Opt for Dried Beans.
  • Season Early and Often.
  • Add Some Acidity at the End.
  • Top It Off.

How to win chili cookoff? ›

Winning chili must look good, smell good and taste good. Because the judging process takes a couple of hours, chili must retain its color, consistency, aroma, taste and afterbite while hot, warm, lukewarm and then cool in a styrofoam judging cup. The chili should be free of grease.

What is the difference between goulash and 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.

What can I add to my chili to give it more flavor? ›

Here are some of the most common (and most effective) flavor boosters to add to your chili recipe.
  1. Booze (Beer, Wine, or Liquor) ...
  2. Liquid Smoke. ...
  3. Brine or Vinegar. ...
  4. Soy Sauce. ...
  5. Fish Sauce. ...
  6. Worcestershire Sauce. ...
  7. Coffee or Espresso Powder. ...
  8. Chocolate.
Aug 23, 2021

What mac and Cheese does Chili's use? ›

Kraft® Macaroni & Cheese served with choice of side. Notice: Approximate pre-cooked weights, actual weight may vary.

What gives chili depth of flavor? ›

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. Stir the paste occasionally to prevent burning.

What liquid is best for chili? ›

Beef Broth: Provides liquid and enhances the beefy flavor of the chili.

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.

How do you make chili taste deeper? ›

Coffee. 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.

What does cinnamon do for chili? ›

'" Further east in Ohio, Cincinnati-style chili has many of the same ingredients as traditional red chili, such as cayenne, cumin and paprika. But it also skews sweeter with the addition of warm baking spices like allspice, nutmeg — and cinnamon.

Does chili get better the longer it cooks? ›

Cooking chili low and slow is the way to go

Although the internet abounds with recipes for quick-cooking chilis that take as little as 20 minutes (via MyRecipes), this stewed dish truly benefits from a longer cook time that will gently coax all the flavors out of the meat, legumes, vegetables, and spices in the recipe.

What is the best meat for chili? ›

Ground beef is an immensely versatile, excellent addition to any chili and happens to be one of the quickest to cook and least expensive options of them all. That means you could cook a large amount of chili to feed your entire family for less.

What is chili magic? ›

Where there's chipotle smoke, there's chili fire. Bush's® Chili Magic® Campfire Style brings tender pintos together with smoky chipotle and green bell peppers for quick, unforgettable chili any night of the week.​ Available in: 15.5 oz.

What is another name for a chili Mac? ›

American Chop Suey (Macaroni, Beef, and Cheese Skillet Casserole) Recipe. Beefaroni, chili mac, Johnny Marzetti: whatever you call it, this stuff is delicious.

What is goulash called in the South? ›

American goulash, sometimes called slumgullion, is an American comfort food dish, similar to American chop suey. American goulash is usually referred to in the midwestern and southern United States as simply "goulash".

What makes can chili taste better? ›

Professional chefs shared their favorite ways to turn a can of chili into a tastier option. Cocoa, beer, and cinnamon are ingredients that'll boost the flavor of your dish. Fresh toppings are an easy way to add new flavor and texture to the premade meal.

Why doesn't my chili have enough flavor? ›

Try adding spices like paprika, chili powder, cumin, coriander, Mexican oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, cayenne, or even chipotle.

Does anyone put corn in chili? ›

Many chili aficionados add a little sweetness to their chili with some brown sugar or even maple syrup to complement the earthy peppers and balance out some of the spice. But adding corn cobs to your chili is the secret to bringing natural sweetness without adding sugar.

What is in Gordon Ramsay mac and cheese? ›

Ingredients
  1. 1 lb small elbow pasta.
  2. 4 cups whole milk.
  3. 8 tablespoons unsalted butter.
  4. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
  6. ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
  7. 2 cups bacon bits.
  8. ½ cup bread crumbs, toasted.
May 4, 2023

What kind of mac and cheese does Texas Roadhouse use? ›

YES, they serve KRAFT macaroni and cheese. I chose this as a side dish and I do like this mac n' cheese, but not while dining out. I was shocked when the boxed dish arrived. I expected to see and taste a homemade version, but it was a cold version of the Kraft.

What is the difference between Southern mac and cheese? ›

Southern-style mac and cheese is typically made with a milk-and-egg base rather than a roux. Here, the milk component is an infused milk-and-cream mixture reserved from cooking the noodles (which adds even more richness to the dish). The finished macaroni and cheese is firm enough to slice into solid squares.

How do you darken chili flavor? ›

Drop in some chocolate.

We're all about adding some cocoa to your chili, especially in the early stages of cooking when you're blooming your spices, but I like to drop a few pieces of dark chocolate into the pot too.

What spices add depth of flavor? ›

Spices like black peppers, cinnamon, ginger and cumin add depth to foods. Aromatic vegetables, such as onions, garlic and pepper, add complexity to dishes without adding salt. Boost flavor with fruit, such as citrus juice and citrus zest.

How do you add depth of Flavour to chili con carne? ›

Similarly, adding onion powder to your chilli is a great idea if you want to enhance the flavours. It blends well with garlic powder and other spices, lending a sweet and savoury flavour to dishes that you can't get from fresh onions. Onion powder also has a stronger aroma which would not go amiss in chilli con carne.

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