K D Chili Macaroni and Cheese Con Chipotle
Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with K D Chili Macaroni and Cheese Con Chipotle—a bold, smoky twist on a beloved classic! This recipe combines creamy cheddar and cream cheese with the rich, zesty flavors of chili-spiced ground beef (optional), diced tomatoes, and hearty beans, all infused with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. The luscious cheese sauce is made from scratch, perfectly coating tender macaroni for an irresistibly indulgent dish. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes, this one-pot meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor, and serve up a dish that’s equal parts spicy, savory, and comforting. Keywords: smoky macaroni and cheese, chipotle mac and cheese, chili macaroni recipe, comfort food with a kick.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped)
- 1 lb ground beef (optional, for chili)
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 15 oz beans (black or kidney, drained and rinsed)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. If using ground beef, add it to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavors. Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Turn the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt if needed.
Combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and chili mixture in the skillet or a large mixing bowl. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly in the cheesy chipotle chili.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro. Enjoy your smoky, spicy K D Chili Macaroni and Cheese Con Chipotle!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1044 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 66.7 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.7 g | 168% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 204 mg | 68% | |
| Sodium | 1257 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.9 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.6 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.4 g | ||
| Protein | 52.3 g | 105% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 662 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 6.6 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 1128 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
