I created this Vegetarian Chili Mac and Cheese as part of a shop that has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. As always, all opinions are my own. #FallWithATwist #CollectiveBias
Today I’m bringing you the ultimate comfort food. Chili + mac and cheese! I combined the two in this hearty and nourishing meal. Although this recipe is vegetarian, even meat eaters will enjoy it! Flavorful vegetarian chili, elbow macaroni, and a creamy cheese sauce. What’s not to love?!
I cook vegetarian meals for my family quite often. I also have several members of my extended family who are vegetarian. I am a firm believer that vegetarian cuisine can be just as hearty and tasty as any other cuisine. Morningstar Farms makes it easy to produce flavorful recipes with their line of vegetarian products. I used their Grillers Crumbles in this Chili Mac and Cheese, which has quickly become a new staple in our house.
The base of this recipe is an easy vegetable chili. It is filled with bell peppers, onions, carrots, green chiles, corn, tomatoes, and beans. Pasta is added and cooks right in the chili. A simple cheddar cheese sauce is made, and it gets poured into the chili to make this dish extra creamy and cheesy.
As the weather cools and you’re looking for comforting meals to share around your table, I hope you’ll give this Chili Mac and Cheese a try. You can get the ingredients needed at Target (look for the Morningstar Grillers Crumbles in the freezer department). Let me know how you like it!
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Vegetarian Chili Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Chili:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 large carrot diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tablespoons to 6 chili seasoning mix see note
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 12 oz package Morningstar Farms Grillers Crumbles
- 4 oz can diced green chiles
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn I used fire roasted
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes I used fire roasted
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes I used fire roasted
- oz Two 15 cans of beans drained (I used black beans and kidney beans)
- 2 cups water
- 3 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups grated cheddar cheese divided
- Chopped parsley to garnish if desired
Instructions
Chili:
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In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute onion, bell peppers, carrot, and garlic in 2 tablespoons olive oil for about 10 minutes. Add chili seasoning mix, salt, Morningstar Farms Grillers Crumbles, green chiles, and corn. Stir to combine. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and water. Stir to combine. Raise heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add macaroni. Continue to boil, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is cooked through (about 10 minutes). If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, you can add more water (1/2 cup at a time). Meanwhile, prepare the cheese sauce.
Cheese sauce:
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Melt butter in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until combined. Pour in the milk, while whisking, then add the salt and pepper. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the milk simmers and thickens slightly (do not boil). Stir in 2 cups of grated cheese. Remove from heat.
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Once the pasta is tender, pour the cheese sauce into the chili mac, and stir to combine. Season to taste with additional salt. Use the remaining cup of grated cheddar to sprinkle over each serving.
Recipe Notes
Make sure you use a chili seasoning mix which is a blend of spices instead of just plain chili powder. Adjust the amount (from 4-6 tablespoons) based on your personal preference.
Oh wow! I thought it looked awesome, but then I saw that a yummy cheese sauce was added and I was in love! It’s great that it’s vegetarian, but still hearty and “meaty” – something my family would appreciate. #client
Thanks, Brandie! The cheese sauce definitely takes it over the top!
Oh wow! This is stick to your ribs chili mac is what I’m craving amongst this cold spell.
Thanks, Nicole! It will definitely warm you up!
This chili is delicious! I just made it today for football Sunday! I don’t usually cook with vegetarian meat but this recipe is so hearty and yummy! A definite crowd pleaser!
This was SO good! It made plenty of leftovers to freeze
Thanks, Lindsay! I’m so glad that you liked it! And yes, it does bake a big batch. 🙂 I freezed some too.
Finally got around to it and ohhhhhh my was it worth the wait! So yummy! Best part is I have leftovers for days:))
Thanks, Wendy!
never delete this recipe!! 😍😍
Ha! Glad you like it. It’s not going anywhere. 🙂
I made this without adding in the grillers crumbles and just used veggies, turned out great and everyone enjoyed it very much. Thank you for the great recipe 🙂
Hi, Heather! I’m happy to hear that you like it. It is a family favorite in our house. Thanks for taking the time to stop by!