The Art of Perfect Chili Mac with Three Cheeses Creation

Perfect Beef Browning Technique

Master the skill of properly browning ground beef for maximum flavor development.

Chili Building Excellence

Learn the technique of layering flavors to create rich, complex chili base.

Pasta Integration Mastery

Perfect the art of combining pasta with chili for optimal texture and coating.

Cheese Melting Technique

Master the skill of melting cheese smoothly without clumping or breaking.

Consistency Control Method

Learn the technique of achieving perfect creamy consistency for chili mac.

Chili Mac Mastery Secrets for Perfect Beef, Pasta, and Cheese Combination

Pasta Timing: Cook pasta just until al dente as it will continue cooking in the chili.

Beef Browning: Brown beef completely for maximum flavor development and texture.

Cheese Addition: Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping or separation.

Consistency Control: Use pasta water to adjust thickness - add gradually until desired consistency.

Spice Balance: Adjust heat level gradually - you can always add more spice later.

Serving Temperature: Serve immediately while cheese is melted and mixture is hot.

Ultimate Chili Mac with Three Cheeses and Hearty Ground Beef

Name: Ultimate Chili Mac with Three Cheeses and Hearty Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Perfect Pasta:; 1 lb elbow macaroni; 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; For the Chili Base:; 2 lbs ground beef (80/20); 1 large onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chili powder; For the Bean Component:; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained; 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained; For the Tomato Foundation:; 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste; For the Cheese Blend:; 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup cream cheese, cubed; For the Spice Mix:; 2 tablespoons cumin; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

The perfect fusion of classic chili and creamy mac and cheese, featuring tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato-based chili sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses. This ultimate comfort food combines the best of both worlds with perfectly cooked pasta, savory chili with beans and spices, and a luxurious cheese sauce that creates an irresistible one-pot meal perfect for family dinners, potluck gatherings, or any time you crave the satisfying combination of hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese in one delicious dish.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Perfect Pasta:

1 lb elbow macaroni

1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Chili Base:

2 lbs ground beef (80/20)

1 large onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons chili powder

For the Bean Component:

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained

1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained

For the Tomato Foundation:

1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

For the Cheese Blend:

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup cream cheese, cubed

For the Spice Mix:

2 tablespoons cumin

1 tablespoon paprika

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Liquid Base:

2 cups beef broth

1 cup milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Flavor Enhancement:

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon liquid smoke

For the Cooking Medium:

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

For the Seasoning:

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Fresh Components:

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

3 green onions, sliced

1 jalapeño, minced

For the Garnish:

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup shredded cheese for topping

2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

For the Final Touch:

Coarse sea salt

Freshly cracked black pepper

Hot sauce for serving

For Special Equipment:

Large Dutch oven or pot

Wooden spoon

Cheese grater

Ladle

Instructions

Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente according to package directions.

Drain pasta and set aside, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking water.

Heat olive oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with spoon, until browned completely.

Add diced onion and bell pepper to beef and cook until softened.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano, stirring to coat meat.

Cook spices for 1 minute until fragrant and well combined with beef.

Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to pot.

Add drained beans, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and liquid smoke.

Bring mixture to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to taste.

Stir in cooked macaroni and mix gently to combine with chili.

Add milk and heavy cream, stirring to create creamy consistency.

Gradually add shredded cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.

Add cream cheese cubes and stir until completely melted and incorporated.

Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if mixture is too thick.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and spices as needed.

Stir in fresh cilantro and minced jalapeño for fresh flavor.

Simmer for 3-5 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

Serve hot in bowls, topped with sour cream and fresh chives.

Garnish with extra shredded cheese and sliced green onions.

Accompany with cornbread and hot sauce for complete comfort meal.

Ultimate Chili Mac with Three Cheeses and Hearty Ground Beef

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Perfect Chili Mac with Three Cheeses Creation

Ultimate Chili Mac with Three Cheeses and Hearty Ground Beef

Ingredients

Instructions