The second that cheesy, spicy steam hits the air—you’re ten years old again, watching after-school cartoons in grandma’s kitchen. This chili mac recipe is back in style (hello, TikTok) and it’s giving all the cozy one-pot dinner vibes. Ready in 30, no stress, no fancy skills.
Think: hearty chili meets tender mac and cheese. Just ground beef, pasta, and stuff you already got in the cupboard. Like your favorite casserole got a spicy little upgrade. Pure comfort food, no trip to the store. Full details in the blog!
My grandmother would stir up something like this in her well-loved Dutch oven—laughing, apron smudged with tomato sauce. We’ve tested and tweaked it for busy weeknights (and yes, there’s one secret ingredient that makes it sing). No fluff. Just the good stuff.
Why You’ll Love This Chili Mac
What’s not to love about this chili mac recipe? It’s the ultimate mash-up of two classics: hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese, all cooked together in one pot. It’s perfect when you need dinner done fast but still want something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s packed with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand—no frantic grocery runs required.
Busy weeknight? No problem. Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, and there’s only one dish to clean (hallelujah!). Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, a hungry family, or just yourself, this dish hits that sweet spot of cozy nostalgia and easy practicality.
What You’ll Need
This chili mac recipe keeps things simple and delicious with just a handful of pantry and fridge staples:
Protein: Ground beef for that hearty chili base.
Veggies: Onion, bell pepper, and garlic for a flavorful start.
Spices: A chili seasoning packet (or your favorite homemade blend).
Tomato Power: Tomato paste, sauce, and diced tomatoes add richness.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni because it holds onto all the saucy goodness.
Dairy: Cheese (lots of it), heavy cream, and milk to keep things creamy.
You’ll also need a solid pot—like a Dutch oven or deep skillet—to keep it all in one place. Fewer dishes = more relaxation after dinner.
Let’s Make It Step-by-Step
Step 1: Start by sautéing your ground beef in a large pot until it’s browned and crumbly. Toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened. This is your flavor foundation, so let it hang out for a few extra minutes to deepen the aroma.
Step 2: Stir in the chili seasoning mix, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer—your kitchen is about to smell amazing! For extra texture, mix in the drained kidney beans at this point.
Step 3: Add the uncooked macaroni right into the pot. Don’t worry—it’ll cook perfectly in the chili sauce, soaking up all that flavor. Cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender (about 8–10 minutes).
Step 4: While that magic’s happening, whip up your cheese sauce in a small saucepan: melt the butter, whisk in the flour, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and milk. Add mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and your hot sauce. When it’s creamy, fold in shredded cheddar until melty.
Step 5: Stir that dreamy cheese sauce into your pasta-chili mixture. Taste for seasoning, add a little more cheese if you’re feeling wild, and voila—comfort food perfection.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Pro Tip: Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks to keep it from sticking. Trust me, you don’t want any clumps or mushy spots stealing the show.
If the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is fully cooked, splash in a bit more broth—start with a tablespoon at a time. It’s all about balance and texture.
Making this ahead? You can refrigerate it, then reheat it with a splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy goodness. It’s even better the second day as the flavors meld together!
Variations and Serving Ideas
This chili mac recipe is endlessly adaptable. Swap the ground beef for turkey or even veggie crumbles for a plant-based twist. No elbow pasta? Try shells or penne for the same comforting vibe.
Need to tame the spice for kiddos? Omit the hot sauce and use a milder chili seasoning. On the flip side, if you like things fiery, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
For serving, top it with fresh parsley to brighten things up, then go wild with add-ons: a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, or even crumbled tortilla chips for crunch. Oh, and don’t forget the cornbread on the side—it’s practically a must.
Original Ingredient
Easy Substitution
Flavor Note
Ground Beef
Ground Turkey
Light and lean, but still hearty.
Elbow Macaroni
Penne
Fridge-friendly, with a slightly firmer bite.
Cheddar Cheese
Monterey Jack
Milder with extra creaminess.
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Chili Mac
Chili Mac is a comforting fusion of hearty chili and tender pasta that delivers both texture and flavor in every bite. This Chili Mac recipe balances protein and carbs, making it a satisfying, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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A Cozy Chili Mac Moment
Chili Mac always brings me back to chilly weeknights when my family gathered around the table, sharing stories over this warm, comforting dish. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for busy evenings—making it a go-to recipe that balances nutrition with the joy of home-cooked meals.
FAQs ( Chili Mac )
What is Chili Mac?
Chili Mac is a comforting American dish that combines hearty chili with macaroni pasta. It\’s a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that blends ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices with tender pasta, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Can I make Chili Mac vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground meat for plant-based alternatives like lentils, beans, or textured vegetable protein. Just keep the rich spices and tomato base to maintain that classic Chili Mac flavor without any meat.
How long does Chili Mac last in the fridge?
Chili Mac stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick.
Can I freeze leftover Chili Mac?
Yes! Chili Mac freezes very well. Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly on the stove or microwave for a convenient meal anytime.
What sides go well with Chili Mac?
Chili Mac pairs wonderfully with simple sides like cornbread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables. Adding some crunchy tortilla chips or a dollop of sour cream can also enhance this hearty dish.
Wrapping Up This Cozy Chili Mac Recipe
You’ll love how this chili mac recipe comes together in under 30 minutes—simple, comforting, and full of saucy, cheesy goodness. It’s that perfect one-pot dinner where every bite feels like a warm kitchen hug, with familiar ingredients that make cooking feel like second nature.
Try swapping ground beef for turkey or adding a handful of your favorite beans for extra heartiness. Leftovers reheat beautifully—just splash on a bit of broth to keep things creamy. A little sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream can take this dish from everyday to “oh wow” in seconds.
Did this recipe bring back any family food memories? I’d love to hear your twists or kitchen wins in the comments. Share this with your loved ones and cozy up—you’ll wanna make this chili mac again and again, I promise!
Chef Name
Chili Mac Recipe: Easy, Comforting One-Pot Dinner
This Chili Mac is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal combining savory chili and creamy mac and cheese, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (for mac and cheese)
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (for baking)
Fresh Parsley, to garnish
Method
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. In a large pot or deep skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain excess fat. 3. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. 4. Stir in chili seasoning mix and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes. 5. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, and chicken broth; bring to a simmer. 6. Stir in kidney beans and let the chili mixture cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 7. Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package instructions but reduce cooking time by 2 minutes to keep it slightly firm; drain and set aside. 8. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. 9. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. 10. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens. 11. Add mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and hot sauce. 12. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. 13. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and then mix into the chili in the large pot. 14. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. 15. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese evenly on top. 16. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. 17. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a homemade chili seasoning, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage. Customize the heat by adjusting the hot sauce or adding chopped jalapeños.
