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Chili Mac Sliders with Cheddar Sauce is a dish that perfectly encapsulates the essence of comfort food while also delivering a fun and innovative twist on two beloved classics: chili and macaroni and cheese. This recipe combines the hearty flavors of chili, the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese, and the convenience of sliders, making it an ideal option for family dinners, gatherings, or even casual weeknight meals.

Chili Mac Sliders with Cheddar Sauce

Discover the delightful fusion of flavors with Chili Mac Sliders topped with creamy cheddar sauce. This recipe combines the hearty goodness of chili and the comforting taste of macaroni and cheese into easy-to-handle sliders. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these customizable sliders are a hit at parties and kid-friendly too. With a blend of spices and melty cheese, each bite is a comforting treat that’s sure to impress your guests. Get ready to enjoy this delicious and fun twist on classic comfort food!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 can (15 oz) chili (your choice of beans or no beans)

1 cup elbow macaroni

2 cups beef or vegetable broth

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

12 slider buns

1/4 cup sour cream (for garnish)

Fresh chopped cilantro or sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a medium-sized pot, bring the beef or vegetable broth to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside.

    Prepare the Chili Base: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook while breaking it apart with a spatula until it is evenly browned and no longer pink, around 5-7 minutes.

      Combine Ingredients: To the browned meat, stir in the chili, cooked macaroni, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly and let it heat through for about 2-3 minutes.

        Make Cheddar Sauce: In a separate small saucepan, set over low heat, combine 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese with a splash of milk (approximately 1/4 cup). Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more milk until you achieve your desired consistency. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.

          Assemble the Sliders: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the slider buns in half and lay the bottom halves in a greased baking dish. Generously spoon the chili mac mixture onto each bun and drizzle with the cheddar sauce. Place the top halves of the buns on each slider.

            Bake the Sliders: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the tops of the sliders. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

              Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to cool slightly. Top each slider with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 40 minutes | 6-8 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the sliders on a wooden board or a vibrant platter to make a striking visual. Provide extra sour cream and cilantro on the side for guests to customize their sliders!