Chili mac facts for kids
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| Course | Main dish |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Region or state | Midwestern United States |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Macaroni, chili con carne |
| Variations | Cheese |
| Similar dishes | American chop suey, Johnny Marzetti, American goulash, Cincinnati chili, Macaroni and cheese, Macaroni casserole |
Chili mac is a tasty dish that mixes two main ingredients: chili and macaroni pasta. It often has cheese on top or mixed in. Sometimes, people even make it using macaroni and cheese that's already prepared.
This dish is very common in the Midwestern United States. It's also popular in many other parts of the country. Chili mac can be quite cheap to make. Many people think of it as a "comfort food." This means it's a dish that makes you feel warm and happy, like a hug in a bowl!
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How to Make Chili Mac
There are many ways to prepare chili mac. Simple versions might use chopped meat, tomatoes, spices, and elbow macaroni pasta. Another easy way is to combine boxed macaroni and cheese with canned chili.
Some recipes mix all the ingredients together in one pot. Others prefer to layer the ingredients separately. If you use cheese, you can sprinkle grated cheese on top. Or, you can mix the cheese throughout the dish. Sometimes, people add onions or beans for extra flavor.
Fun Ways to Serve It
In St. Louis, Missouri, some diners serve a special version. It's called "chili mac a la mode." This means the dish comes topped with fried eggs!
You can cook chili mac in different ways. It can be made on a stove in a skillet. You can also use a slow cooker for a slow-cooked meal. Or, you can bake it in the oven like a casserole. There are even vegetarian and vegan versions for those who don't eat meat or animal products.
Chili Mac Around the World (and Beyond!)
Chili mac has been a very important meal for the American military for many years. It's a "staple dish," meaning it's a regular and important part of their meals.
Chili Mac for Soldiers
In 1995, chili mac was added to the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) menu. MREs are special food packages for soldiers in the field. They are designed to be easy to carry and eat anywhere. Chili mac is one of only a few meals from that original 1995 MRE menu that is still offered today!
Chili Mac in Space!
Did you know that even NASA astronauts have eaten chili mac? A special version called "taco chili mac" has been enjoyed in space. NASA prepares it as a freeze-dried product. This means all the water is removed, making it light and easy to store for space travel.
Boxed Versions
You can also find chili mac in stores. For example, Hamburger Helper sells a prepared boxed version. It's called "Chili Macaroni."
