Chili mac

Chili mac is a dish prepared with chili con carne and macaroni as its primary ingredients, often topped or mixed with cheese. Some versions start from prepared or homemade macaroni and cheese. It is a common dish in the cuisine of the Midwestern United States and is also popular elsewhere in the country. Basic versions use chopped meat, tomato, spices and elbow macaroni, while a shortcut combines boxed macaroni and cheese with canned chili. It can be cooked in a skillet on a range top, in a slow cooker or baked as a casserole, and vegetarian and vegan versions are sometimes made. Some St. Louis diners serve chili mac a la mode with fried eggs on top. Chili mac has been a staple of American military dining facilities and has been on the Meal, Ready-to-Eat menu since 1995. A taco chili mac has been eaten by NASA astronauts as a freeze-dried product, and it is often described as an inexpensive comfort food.