Chili Mac ‘n Cheese – Meatless Monday

Chili Mac ‘n Cheese

Tad Tandler

Servings

4–6

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Calories

500

Cuisine

Comfort Food Fusion

Category

Chili Ideas

More plant-based protein with Tad’s Dad’s Chili? 

Yes, please! 🌱🔥 This #MeatlessMonday, try Chili Mac ‘n Cheese—a creamy, hearty, flavor-packed twist on a classic.

 It’s cozy, it’s bold, and it’s the easiest way to sneak in some extra plant power. Who’s digging in?!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Tad’s Dad’s Chili (vegan)
  • 12 oz pasta (macaroni, shells, or elbows)
  • 1 ½ cups plant-based cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup shredded vegan cheese (cheddar-style)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish

Directions

  1. Cook the Pasta

    – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    – Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
    – Drain and toss with olive oil or vegan butter to prevent sticking.

  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

    – If using store-bought cheese sauce, warm it in a small saucepan over low heat.
    – If making homemade sauce, blend together cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.

  3. Mix in the Chili

    – Heat Tad’s Dad’s Chili in a separate saucepan until warmed through.
    – Stir the chili into the cooked pasta.

  4. Add the Cheese & Bake (Optional)

    – Pour in the plant-based cheese sauce, stirring until everything is well combined.
    – If baking, transfer to a lightly greased baking dish, top with vegan cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil for 3–5 minutes until golden.

  5. Garnish & Serve

    – Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
    – Dig in and enjoy this bold, cozy, and protein-packed comfort meal!