Go Back
The Tailgate Chili Mac Bread Bowl is a fun dish perfect for game day. It combines creamy chili mac with warm, crusty bread. You will love how easy it is to make and serve. This dish feeds four to six people, making it great for sharing. You will need the following ingredients for the Tailgate Chili Mac Bread Bowl: - 1 large round sourdough bread loaf - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 small onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish You can make this dish your own with some fun add-ins! Try these options: - Swap the ground beef for chicken or plant-based protein. - Use gluten-free elbow macaroni for a gluten-free version. - Add bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and color. - For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste. The Full Recipe has all the steps to guide you through. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for the bread bowl. 2. Cut the top off the sourdough bread loaf. Hollow out the inside, leaving a thick wall. Keep the bread pieces for later. 3. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot. Follow the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set it aside. 1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey. Cook until it is browned, which takes about 5-7 minutes. 2. Drain any excess fat. This step keeps the dish from being greasy. 3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes. 4. Stir in chili beans, diced tomatoes, cooked macaroni, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it all well and let it simmer for 5 minutes. 5. Remove from heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheese until it melts and combines with the mixture. 1. Spoon the chili mac mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl. Fill it until it overflows slightly. 2. Top with the remaining cheese. This will create a nice cheesy crust. 3. Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet. Bake it in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for melted, bubbly cheese and slightly toasted bread. 4. Carefully remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing to serve. For the full recipe, check the above section. This meal is perfect for game day! To make the best chili mac, focus on quality meat. Choose fresh ground beef or turkey. You can even mix both for a rich taste. Use a sturdy pot for cooking. This will help blend flavors well. For extra flavor, let the mix simmer longer. This step makes a big difference. Taste as you go to adjust spices. The right balance of chili powder and cumin is key. A great presentation makes your dish pop. Serve your bread bowl on a large wooden board. Place the reserved bread pieces around it. This gives a rustic feel. For a colorful touch, add chopped green onions and cilantro on top. You can even sprinkle some extra cheese for a nice finish. Using bright plates or bowls can also enhance the look. You can prep this dish in advance. Cook the chili mac mixture and cool it. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When game day comes, just fill the bread bowl and bake. This saves time and stress. You can also hollow out the bread a day before. Just wrap it in plastic to keep it fresh. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian chili mac. Swap the meat for your favorite veggies. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Use canned black beans or lentils for protein. They add great texture. You can also use plant-based cheese for a dairy-free option. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious. If you want to change the protein, many options exist. Ground turkey works well, just like beef. You could also use chicken or pork. For a lighter dish, shredded rotisserie chicken is easy and fast. If you like seafood, shrimp adds a fun twist. Make sure to adjust cooking times for each protein type. To change the spice level, you have many choices. If you like it mild, skip the chili powder. You can add sweet bell peppers instead. For more heat, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Start with small amounts and taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect heat for your crowd. To store leftovers, let the chili mac cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to wrap the bread bowl separately to keep it fresh. This way, your game day feast stays tasty for another meal. Reheating is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This warms the chili mac and keeps the bread crisp. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating, but the bread may get a bit soft. To freeze, scoop out the chili mac from the bread bowl. Place the mac in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above. The bread bowl can be frozen too, but it may lose some texture. Enjoy your Tailgate Chili Mac Bread Bowl later with ease! Yes, you can use other bread types. A round Italian or a soft baguette works well. Just ensure the bread can hold the filling. If you choose a softer bread, consider baking it a bit longer. This helps it stay firm. You want it to be sturdy enough to hold the chili mac. Toppings add flavor and fun. Here are some great options: - Chopped green onions - Fresh cilantro - Sour cream - Jalapeños for heat - Extra shredded cheese - Avocado slices for creaminess Feel free to mix and match these toppings. They can make your dish more colorful and tasty. To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the pasta and bread. Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and a gluten-free bread loaf. Many stores have these options. Also, double-check the chili beans and diced tomatoes for gluten ingredients. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish! For the full recipe, check back to see how to create this delicious meal. In this post, we explored how to create Tailgate Chili Mac Bread Bowls. We covered the full recipe, key ingredients, and helpful tips. You learned about cooking and baking steps and ways to make variations. I shared storage tips and answered common questions. Remember, you can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy making this fun meal for parties or family nights. With a little practice, you will impress everyone.

Tailgate Chili Mac Bread Bowl

Get ready for game day with this delicious Tailgate Chili Mac Bread Bowl! This easy recipe combines hearty chili mac served in a warm, crunchy sourdough bowl, perfect for sharing with friends. With flavorful ground beef, chili beans, and gooey cheddar cheese, it's a crowd-pleaser that will wow everyone.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 large round sourdough bread loaf

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 lb ground beef or turkey

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

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cut the top off the sourdough bread loaf and hollow out the inside, leaving about a 1-inch thick wall. Set aside the bread pieces for later use.

      In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

        In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

          Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

            Stir in the chili beans, diced tomatoes, cooked macaroni, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let simmer for another 5 minutes.

              Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted and combined.

                Spoon the chili mac mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl until overflowing slightly.

                  Top the filled bread bowl with the remaining shredded cheese.

                    Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is slightly toasted.

                      Carefully remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing into the bread bowl to serve.

                        Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4-6

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve the bread bowl on a wooden board with the reserved bread pieces around it for dipping or scooping. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro for a pop of color.