Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200°C) with a 12-cup nonstick muffin tin inside.
2. Step
Make the McCormick® chili: Heat the canola oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until the onion is translucent, 3–5 minutes.
3. Step
Add the ground beef and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up the beef, for 5–7 minutes, until the meat is browned.
4. Step
Drain any excess fat from the meat mixture, then add the McCormick® Chili Seasoning and water. Mix and cook for another 4–5 minutes, until the spices are well incorporated. Remove the pan from the heat.
5. Step
Make the mac ‘n’ cheese: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring frequently to break up any clumps, for 5 minutes, or until the roux is light golden brown. Reduce the heat to medium. Slowly pour in the milk and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 8 minutes. Do not let the mixture come to a boil.
6. Step
Turn off the heat, then add 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese and the salt. Whisk until the cheese is melted and well incorporated. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir with a wooden spoon until the noodles are well coated.
7. Step
Add the chili to the mac ‘n’ cheese and stir until well incorporated.
8. Step
Carefully remove the hot muffin tin from the oven and grease with nonstick spray.
9. Step
Sprinkle a heaping tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese into each cup.
10. Step
Fill each cup with the chili mac ‘n’ cheese, pressing down slightly with the back of a spoon to flatten the tops.
11. Step
Place the muffin tin on a baking sheet, then bake for 15–20 minutes or until the sides of the mac ‘n’ cheese cups are bubbling. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 20 minutes to set up.
12. Step
Using a plastic knife to avoid scratching the muffin tin, loosen around the edges of each chili mac ‘n’ cheese bite. Then remove from the pan. If the cups are falling apart, let cool for another 10 minutes.
13. Step
Top the chili mac ‘n’ cheese bites with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, scallions, and jalapeño slices, if desired.
