Chili Mac and Cheese
Chili Mac and Cheese is a hearty, one-pot fusion dish that combines the creamy, cheesy comfort of macaroni and cheese with the bold, spiced flavors of chili. It typically features elbow pasta, ground beef or turkey, tomatoes, chili powder, and a generous amount of melted cheddar or American cheese. This popular American comfort food is a staple in home kitchens and casual diners, especially across the Midwest and South.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a calorie-dense meal, high in carbohydrates from the pasta, fat from the cheese and meat, and provides a good amount of protein. A standard serving typically ranges from 500 to 700 calories, offering significant energy along with nutrients like calcium, iron, and B vitamins.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
| Calcium | 300 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Potassium | 400 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.5 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 350 mg |
| Zinc | 3 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Chili Mac is a classic example of American culinary pragmatism, born from the desire to combine two beloved comfort foods into a single, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal. Nutritionally, it's a complete, if indulgent, meal in a bowl, delivering all three macronutrients in a very palatable form.
