Tailgate Game Day Chili Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Allergens

Dairy, Gluten (contains wheat)

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) chili beans
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2. Add onion and garlic to the pot with the cooked ground beef. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, chili beans, barbecue sauce, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Add macaroni to the boiling chili mixture. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 12 15 minutes or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.

Chef’s Insight

Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference, adding more cayenne pepper for heat or using milder cheeses for a less spicy dish.

Notes

This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to accommodate larger groups.