![- 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 For the main dish, I like to use a large round sourdough bread loaf. It holds everything well. Elbow macaroni gives a nice bite. Ground beef or turkey adds protein and richness. Chili beans bring that hearty flavor. Diced tomatoes with green chilies offer a spicy kick. - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste The cheese makes it creamy and dreamy. Onions and garlic add depth to the flavor. Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika give warmth and smokiness. Don't forget salt and black pepper to enhance all the tastes. - Chopped green onions - Fresh cilantro To finish, I love adding chopped green onions and fresh cilantro. They add color and freshness to the dish. You can adjust these garnishes to suit your taste. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to bring this Tailgate Chili Mac Bread Bowl to life! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms your kitchen and helps bake the bread bowl nicely. Next, take your round sourdough loaf. Carefully slice the top off and hollow it out. Leave about a 1-inch thick crust on all sides. This crust holds the chili mac filling well. Save the bread pieces you remove for later use. You can use them for dipping or as crunchy bites. Now, let’s cook the chili mac filling. Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt, then cook the elbow macaroni. Follow the package directions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat, either beef or turkey. Break it apart as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any extra fat. Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion is soft and clear, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Now it’s time to mix in the good stuff! Add the chili beans, diced tomatoes, and cooked macaroni to the skillet. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps blend all the flavors together. With the filling ready, let’s fill the bread bowl. Generously spoon the chili mac mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl. Let it overflow a bit for a hearty look. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top. This makes it melty and delicious. Now, place the bread bowl on a baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and the bread lightly toasted. Once baked, take out the baking sheet and let it cool for a few minutes. When ready, slice into the bread bowl and serve warm. Enjoy this cozy dish with friends! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions earlier. - Ensuring the macaroni is cooked al dente To get the best texture, cook the macaroni just until it’s firm. This means it should still have a slight bite. Follow the package instructions, but check it a minute or two early. Drain it well to avoid extra water in your dish. - How to avoid a soggy bread bowl To keep your bread bowl from getting soggy, hollow it out carefully. Leave at least an inch of crust. Also, don’t overfill it with chili mac. A little overflow looks great, but too much can make it messy. - Best ways to present the dish I love serving the bread bowl on a wooden board. It gives a nice rustic feel. Add the reserved bread pieces around it for dipping. A sprinkle of green onions and cilantro adds a pop of color. - Recommended sides and beverages Pair the dish with a simple side salad for freshness. A cold beer or a fizzy drink works well, too. This meal is hearty, so keep sides light and refreshing. - Tips for perfect seasoning Taste your chili mac before you bake it. Adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Remember, the cheese will add saltiness, so be careful not to over-season. - Preventing overflow during baking To prevent overflow, fill your bread bowl just to the top. If you have a lot of extra filling, save it on the side. You can serve it in small cups for extra fun. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can make a meatless version of this dish. Use plant-based ground meat for a great taste. It mimics beef or turkey well. You can also try a vegetarian bean chili. Use a mix of black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. This will add protein and flavor. Want it mild? Skip the chili powder, or use less. For heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also toss in jalapeños for a fresh kick. Experiment with spices like oregano or thyme for extra flavor. Top with sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a bold finish. You can swap the sourdough for other breads. Try a crusty baguette or a soft Italian loaf. They all work well. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Just ensure it is sturdy enough. This way, you can still enjoy this dish with your crowd. To store your Tailgate Chili Mac Bread Bowl, first, let it cool. Once cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the bread may become soggy and less tasty. When you reheat, you want to keep the bread from getting too hard. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bowl on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. Check after 10 minutes to see if it’s warm. You can also microwave the chili mac filling if you prefer. Just put it in a bowl, cover it with a paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Another option is to serve it over nacho chips for a fun twist! To freeze the filled bread bowl, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then put it in a freezer bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, follow the steps above. If you want to freeze the chili mac separately, let it cool first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can also last for three months. Just thaw and reheat when you are ready to enjoy it again. You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Simply swap the ground beef or turkey for plant-based meat. You can use lentils or black beans for a hearty texture. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of meat broth to enhance the taste. This way, you keep the dish full of flavor while making it meat-free. Yes, you can prep the filling in advance. Cook the chili mac mix, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can keep it for up to three days. When you're ready, just reheat the filling before adding it to the bread bowl. This saves time on game day and keeps your tailgate stress-free. If you can't find sourdough, there are great alternatives. You can use a round baguette, ciabatta, or even a crusty round loaf. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling. Gluten-free options exist too, like gluten-free bread loaves, for those with dietary needs. You can keep leftovers for about three days in the fridge. Store the filling separately from the bread bowl to prevent sogginess. Use airtight containers to maintain freshness. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the filling for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is fantastic, you can try other cheeses too. Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds a nice kick. You can even mix in some cream cheese for extra creaminess. The cheese blends well with the chili mac and enhances the overall flavor. Use whatever you enjoy most! For the full recipe, check out the Tailgate Chili Mac Bread Bowl. In this post, I covered how to make a Tailgate Chili Mac Bread Bowl, from essential ingredients to serving options. You explored the right techniques for preparing the bread and cooking the chili mac filling. I shared tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. Remember, you can easily adjust the spice level or make it meatless to fit your taste. This dish brings fun and comfort to any gathering. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends with this delicious creation.](https://recipesstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/a118143c-8ee6-473b-aa00-007d4e4300ec-250x250.webp)
Tailgate Chili Mac Bread Bowl
Get ready to wow your guests with this delicious Tailgate Chili Mac Bread Bowl! Combining savory ground meat, chili beans, and creamy cheese in a crusty sourdough bowl, it's the ultimate comfort food for your next gathering. Perfect for game day or cozy family dinners, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Click through to explore the easy steps to create this hearty dish that everyone will love. Happy cooking!