Chili Mac Recipe

Spicy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting—that’s what you can expect from this hearty Chili Mac Recipe. This crowd-pleasing one-pot wonder combines the robust flavors of homemade chili with the familiar comfort of macaroni pasta, all brought together with a blanket of melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings, this Chili Mac delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to create this soul-warming dish from scratch, with tips for achieving the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and texture in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chili Mac Recipe is bound to become a regular in your meal rotation for so many good reasons. The combination of tender macaroni pasta and hearty beef chili creates a satisfying texture contrast that keeps every bite interesting. The dish strikes the perfect balance between the warming spices of traditional chili and the creamy comfort of mac and cheese—truly the best of both worlds.

What makes this recipe particularly special is its incredible versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences, and it’s a fantastic way to sneak extra vegetables into a meal that even picky eaters will devour. The one-pot approach means less cleanup, and the entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when you need something substantial and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Additionally, this chili macaroni reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches that taste just as good as when freshly made.

Ingredients

For this hearty Chili Mac Recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean works best)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz/425g) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz/425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 2 cups (8 oz/225g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups (8 oz/225g) shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: sour cream, sliced green onions, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips

The combination of chili powder, cumin, and oregano creates that authentic chili mac flavor, while the beef broth adds depth that elevates this dish above similar one-pot meals.

Pro Tips

Balance Your Seasoning: The key to exceptional Chili Mac is layering your seasonings. Add half your spices when browning the beef and the remainder when adding the liquids. This two-stage approach creates deeper flavor development and prevents the spices from becoming muted during the cooking process.

Pasta Perfection: For the ideal pasta texture in your chili mac and cheese, cook the macaroni directly in the chili mixture but keep a close eye on it. Test it 2 minutes before the suggested cooking time—you want it slightly firmer than al dente as it will continue absorbing liquid as it sits. If the mixture becomes too thick before pasta is tender, add beef broth ¼ cup at a time.

Cheese Technique: For the creamiest, most integrated cheese flavor, remove the pot from heat before adding your cheese and stir in half the cheese completely before adding the remaining portion. This prevents the cheese from becoming stringy or separating, giving you that perfect melt-in-your-mouth consistency that makes Chili Mac so irresistible.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. When the beef is about halfway done, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened, about 3-4 more minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Season the Base
Sprinkle the meat mixture with chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly and toast the spices slightly, about 1 minute. This releases their essential oils and intensifies the flavor of your Chili Mac.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Beans
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and drained kidney beans. Stir everything together, then add the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the simmering chili mixture. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite to it. The liquid should reduce and thicken during this time.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
Remove the pot from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese until completely melted and incorporated. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and cover the pot for 2-3 minutes to allow it to melt. Your Chili Mac Recipe is now ready to serve. Garnish with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, green onions, avocado, or tortilla chips.

Variations

Vegetarian Chili Mac: Transform this Chili Mac Recipe into a meatless wonder by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or an extra can of beans (black beans work great alongside the kidney beans). Add a diced zucchini or yellow squash along with the bell pepper for additional texture and nutrition. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and consider adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for extra depth of flavor.

Spicy Southwest Chili Mac: Kick your chili mac up several notches by adding a diced jalapeño or two when cooking the onions and bell peppers. Mix in 1 cup of corn kernels and a can of diced green chilies with the tomatoes. Replace half the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for added heat, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving for a vibrant Southwestern twist.

Italian-Style Chili Mac: Give your dish a Mediterranean makeover by using Italian sausage instead of ground beef. Replace the chili powder with Italian seasoning, add a teaspoon of fennel seeds, and mix in a cup of chopped spinach just before adding the cheese. Top with a combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese instead of cheddar for an Italian-inspired chili mac and cheese variation.

Storage and Serving

This Chili Mac Recipe stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerated Chili Mac will keep for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid while stored.

For freezing, portion the cooled chili mac into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

For serving, try these delicious pairings:

• Serve Chili Mac with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Warm cornbread or garlic bread makes an excellent side, perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.
• For a complete meal with contrasting textures, add a side of pickled vegetables or coleslaw for a refreshing crunch that complements the hearty chili mac and cheese.

FAQs

Can I make Chili Mac ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chili portion up to 2 days ahead. When ready to serve, reheat the chili, add the uncooked pasta, and proceed with the recipe. Alternatively, prepare the entire dish and refrigerate—just add a splash of broth when reheating as the pasta will absorb liquid as it sits.

My family doesn’t like spicy food. How can I adjust this recipe?
Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use mild chili powder. You can also add a tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the heat and add a subtle sweetness that kids often enjoy.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for Chili Mac, any short pasta like rotini, shells, or penne works well. Just adjust cooking time according to package directions.

Is there a way to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat and aromatics first, then transfer to a slow cooker with all ingredients except pasta and cheese. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, then stir in pre-cooked pasta and cheese before serving.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey makes a leaner alternative. Add an extra tablespoon of olive oil when browning to compensate for the lower fat content, and you might want to use chicken broth instead of beef for a more complementary flavor.

Conclusion

This Chili Mac Recipe is comfort food at its finest—a hearty, soul-warming blend of spicy chili and creamy mac and cheese that comes together in one pot. It’s the kind of dish that rescues weeknight dinners when you need something satisfying that the whole family will love. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, meal prepping for busy days ahead, or just craving something deeply comforting, this versatile Chili Mac delivers every time. Make it once, and watch it quickly become a requested favorite in your household’s dinner rotation.

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