Chili cheese, Mac bowls

Chili cheese, Mac bowls is a medium American recipe that serves 10. 424 calories per serving. Recipe by Cookingforgains on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 36 min | Total: 1 hr 1 min

Cost: $27.79 total, $2.78 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 lb Ground Beef (85% lean, broken up)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 1 tsp Salt (Kosher salt)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 1 packet Chili Seasoning Pack (Store‑bought chili seasoning)
  • 16 oz Protein Pasta (High‑protein pasta (e.g., chickpea or lentil))
  • 2 cans Kidney Beans (15‑oz cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 2 cans Diced Tomatoes (14.5‑oz cans, drained)
  • 1 bag Shredded Cheese Blend (Approximately 8 oz, shredded (e.g., Belvita blend))
  • 1 bag Fat‑Free Cheddar Cheese (Approximately 8 oz, shredded)
  • 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz condensed)
  • 100 g Cream Cheese (Full‑fat, softened)

Instructions

  1. Gather and Prep Ingredients

    Mince the garlic, open and drain the kidney beans and diced tomatoes, and measure out all seasonings and cheeses.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Brown the Ground Beef

    Heat the large skillet over medium‑high heat, add the ground beef, and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 8‑10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium-high

  3. Season the Beef

    Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and the chili seasoning pack to the browned beef. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  4. Add Beans and Tomatoes

    Stir in the drained kidney beans and diced tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to heat through and the flavors to meld.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  5. Incorporate Cream of Chicken and Cream Cheese

    Add the can of cream of chicken soup and the softened cream cheese. Reduce heat to low‑medium and stir until the cream cheese fully melts and the sauce is smooth.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Melt the Shredded Cheeses

    Stir in the shredded cheese blend and the fat‑free cheddar. Continue stirring until all cheese is melted and the sauce is glossy.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Cook the Protein Pasta

    While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the protein pasta and cook according to package directions (usually 8‑10 minutes) until al dente. Drain.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: boiling

  8. Combine Pasta with Sauce

    Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cheese‑chili sauce. Toss until every noodle is evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Portion into Meal‑Prep Containers

    Spoon the mac mixture into the 10 meal‑prep containers, dividing evenly. Allow to cool slightly before sealing.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Clean Up

    Wash all used utensils, the skillet, pot, and containers. Soak the skillet if any cheese residue remains.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
424
Protein
27 g
Carbohydrates
19 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
2.3 g

Dietary info: High‑protein, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free pasta, Can be made dairy‑free using dairy‑free cheese substitutes

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten (if regular pasta is used), Soy (possible in processed cheese)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Chili cheese, Mac bowls

Recipe by Cookingforgains

High‑protein chili cheese mac bowls made with ground beef, protein pasta, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses. Perfect for meal‑prepping 10 servings that stay tasty all week.

MediumAmericanServes 10

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
39m
Prep
27m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$27.79
Total cost
$2.78
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brown the ground beef until fully cooked
  • Drain canned beans and tomatoes thoroughly
  • Melt the cream cheese and shredded cheeses without scorching
  • Cook the protein pasta al dente

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw ground beef with care; avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven mitts when moving the hot skillet.
  • Steam from boiling pasta can cause burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chili Cheese Mac Bowls in American comfort food cuisine?

A

Chili mac combines two classic American comfort foods—chili and macaroni and cheese—into a single, hearty dish that became popular in the 1970s as a quick, budget‑friendly family meal. It reflects the U.S. tradition of mixing pantry staples with protein for a filling, one‑pot dinner.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chili mac in the United States?

A

In the Southwest, cooks often add jalapeños or chipotle for smoky heat. In the Midwest, a topping of crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs is common for crunch. Some Southern versions incorporate ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.

cultural
Q

How is Chili Cheese Mac Bowls traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically served hot in a deep bowl, sometimes topped with extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or chopped green onions. Many families pair it with a simple green salad or cornbread.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Chili Cheese Mac Bowls traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Chili mac is a go‑to dish for casual gatherings like game‑day parties, potlucks, and family movie nights because it can be made in large batches and kept warm or pre‑portioned for later.

cultural
Q

What makes Chili Cheese Mac Bowls special or unique in American comfort food cuisine?

A

The dish merges the creamy, cheesy texture of mac and cheese with the robust, spiced flavor of chili, delivering both comfort and protein in one bowl. Using protein pasta boosts the nutritional profile while keeping the classic taste.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chili Cheese Mac Bowls?

A

Common errors include overcooking the pasta (it becomes mushy), not draining the beans and tomatoes (resulting in a watery sauce), and adding cheese over high heat which can cause curdling. Follow the low‑medium heat step when melting cheese.

technical
Q

Why does this Chili Cheese Mac Bowls recipe use cream cheese and cream of chicken soup instead of a traditional roux?

A

Cream cheese and cream of chicken soup create a quick, velvety sauce without the extra time and flour needed for a roux, keeping the recipe fast‑track for meal prep while still delivering richness.

technical
Q

Can I make Chili Cheese Mac Bowls ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, portion the bowls into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months; reheat directly from frozen or after thawing in the microwave.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Chili Cheese Mac Bowls?

A

The sauce should be glossy and coat each pasta strand evenly, with melted cheese fully incorporated. The beef should be browned but not dry, and the beans should be plump and visible throughout the bowl.

technical
Q

How do I know when Chili Cheese Mac Bowls is done cooking?

A

The dish is done when the ground beef is no longer pink, the pasta is al dente, and the cheese sauce is smooth and fully melted, creating a cohesive, slightly thick mixture that clings to the noodles.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cookingforgains specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cookingforgains focuses on high‑protein, fitness‑friendly meals that are quick to prepare, budget‑conscious, and designed for meal‑prepping to support active lifestyles.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cookingforgains' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Cookingforgains emphasizes boosting protein content and nutritional balance while keeping classic comfort flavors intact, often swapping traditional ingredients for higher‑protein alternatives and providing detailed macro breakdowns, unlike many channels that prioritize taste alone.

channel

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