Try My Popular Homemade Silly Chili Macaroni Recipe

Looking for an easy dinner recipe that children will love? Give this simple Silly Chili Macaroni a try! It’s a favorite of kids and adults alike, and it’s easy to customize! It’s also a perfect pantry, stockpile, or food storage meal.

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Hey y’all, it’s Tiffany, and you’re going to love this Silly Chili Macaroni! It’s the perfect pantry stockpile meal!

I’m the oldest of 10 kids (6 biological, 4 adopted). As you can imagine, life growing up in my house was a bit chaotic at times.

I’d love to say I was the stereotypical oldest daughter who helped her mom with housework, cooking, etc. But I wasn’t. I am the least home-ec person out there. I hate cooking and baking – don’t even ask about making a chili mac and cheese recipe or the time I made a coffee cake with salt instead of sugar.

The helpers were my next two oldest sisters, who seemed to be born to be amazing stay-at-home moms.

Anyway, I digress.

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Our favorite brand of chili is Nalley’s homemade chili, anyway. When I was a kid, it was only sold in Utah – and we were growing up in Denver and West Virginia. So every time we visited family in Utah, we brought back several cases. One time we bought a ton, but we weren’t going through it very quickly because we were getting a little tired of it. My mom decided to jazz it up with some elbow macaroni noodles and cheddar cheese too.

And voila! Silly chili macaroni was born.

Much to everyone’s surprise, this great recipe has become a huge family favorite. I’m pretty sure each of the kids lived off of a large pot of it in college, and I made a large pot of it for my kids frequently because they loved it.

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Ingredients for Silly Chili Macaroni

• 12-16 oz elbow macaroni
• 3-4 cans of chili (we use Nalley’s chili or Bush’s chili beans without meat – they have the same, mild flavor)
• 1-2 cups shredded cheese

Directions

1. To begin making Silly Chili Macaroni, follow the instructions on the package to cook the noodles until they reach an al dente texture. Once the noodles are fully cooked, carefully drain them using a colander and then transfer the cooked macaroni back to the cooking pot. (I cheat and cook mine in the instant pot). 
2. After returning the noodles to the pot, add the chili powder sauce and gently stir it into the noodles. Reduce heat to low to ensure even heating, and continue stirring until the noodles are thoroughly coated and warmed.

3. Once the cooked macaroni and chili flavors are well combined, gradually add the shredded cheese to the remaining ingredients in the pot. Keep stirring gently to distribute the cheese evenly and ensure it melts smoothly, creating a creamy and cheesy sauce that coats every noodle uniformly.
4. If you’re looking to add a little extra flavor and texture to your Silly Chili Macaroni cheese recipes, consider tossing in some sliced hot dogs or lean ground beef. Stir them into the pot and cook until they’re heated through, blending their savory taste with the cheesy goodness of the dish. Then add black pepper.

Indulge in the delightful flavors of chili and garlic powder flavor in your Silly Chili Macaroni pasta and make a chili mac and cheese creation! Sit back, relax, and savor every cheesy, comforting, chili flavor with macaroni and cheese toppings. My whole family loves this satisfying dish.

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Why Silly Chili Macaroni is the Perfect Comfort Food

Silly Chili Macaroni is more than just a dish; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. This classic combination of hearty homemade chili powder, sharp cheddar, cheese, and creamy macaroni offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures that soothe the soul and satisfy the appetite. Here’s why Silly Chili Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food:

Rich and Hearty Flavor:

Silly Chili Macaroni boasts a rich and hearty flavor profile that comes from the savory chili, crushed tomatoes green onions, and garlic in chicken broth, the chili seasoning the creamy macaroni, and the cheddar cheese. The combination of tender noodles, chicken broth, flavorful, homemade chili seasoning crushed tomatoes, garlic, and melted cheese creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

Warm and Cozy:

There’s something inherently comforting about a steaming bowl of Silly Chili Macaroni on a chilly evening. The warmth of the dish, both in temperature and flavor, wraps you in a cozy embrace that feels like a hug from the inside out.

Childhood Nostalgia:

For many people, Silly Chili Macaroni is a dish that evokes fond memories of childhood. Whether it was a favorite family recipe or a beloved comfort food from school lunches, the nostalgic appeal of Silly Chili Macaroni adds an extra layer of comfort and warmth.

Easy and Convenient:

One of the best things about Silly Chili Macaroni is how easy and convenient it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time.

Versatile and Customizable:

Silly Chili Macaroni is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer your chili spicy or your tomato sauce mild, loaded with veggies extra cheese or packed with meat, Silly Chili Macaroni has delicious recipes that can be adapted to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.

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When to Enjoy Silly Chili Macaroni

When You’re Feeling Sick:

Silly Chili Macaroni is the perfect comfort food when you’re feeling under the weather. The warm, soothing qualities of tomato sauce in the dish can help ease a sore throat or upset stomach, while the hearty flavors of ground beef provide much-needed nourishment.

When You’re Craving Comfort:

Whether you’ve had a long day at work or you’re just in need of a little pick-me-up, Silly Chili Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food. Its rich, comforting flavors and satisfying textures are sure to lift your spirits and leave you feeling cozy and content.

When You’re Too Busy to Cook:

On busy weeknights when you don’t have time to fuss over dinner, Silly Chili Macaroni is a lifesaver. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time.

When You’re Hosting a Casual Get-Together:

Silly Chili Macaroni is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for casual get-togethers with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a game night, movie marathon, or backyard barbecue, Silly Chili Macaroni is a chili mac and cheese recipe sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.

When You’re Craving Childhood Comforts:

Sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like the comfort foods of our childhood. Whether you grew up eating Silly Chili Macaroni or you’re just discovering it for the first time, this classic dish is sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth.

In conclusion, Silly Chili Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Its rich, hearty flavors, warm and cozy appeal, and easy preparation make it the perfect choice for everything from weeknight dinners to lazy weekends at home. This is a recipe I keep coming back to because this is delicious, so whip up a batch of Silly Chili Macaroni today and experience the comfort and satisfaction for yourself!

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Did you make this recipe?

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