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Chili Mac Sliders with Cheddar Sauce are the ultimate comfort food, seamlessly blending the rich, hearty flavors of chili with the creamy, nostalgic taste of macaroni and cheese. This delightful recipe encapsulates the best of both worlds, all nestled within a soft slider bun that makes it easy to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, planning a casual family dinner, or simply indulging in a cozy night at home, these sliders are a surefire hit that will satisfy even the most robust appetites.

Chili Mac Sliders with Cheddar Sauce

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Chili Mac Sliders featuring a creamy cheddar sauce! These sliders perfectly combine the hearty flavors of chili and the classic taste of macaroni and cheese, all in a deliciously soft bun. Ideal for game days or cozy family dinners, this versatile recipe can be customized to suit any taste. With nutritious ingredients and easy preparation, these sliders are a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a satisfying meal. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of these delightful sliders that are sure to impress!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chili Mac:

1 cup elbow macaroni

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced

1/2 pound ground beef or turkey

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheddar Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sliders:

12 slider buns

Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)

Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Macaroni: In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Make the Chili Base: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.

        Add Beans and Tomatoes: Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

          Combine with Macaroni: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the chili mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.

            Prepare the Cheddar Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mustard powder, mixing until gooey and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Assemble the Sliders: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish. Spoon a generous amount of the chili mac mixture onto each bun. Drizzle with cheddar sauce and cover with the top halves of the buns.

                Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden and crispy.

                  Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish with sliced jalapeños and fresh herbs, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your Chili Mac Sliders!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                      20 minutes | 45 minutes | 12 sliders