Easy Chili Mac Recipe: The Cozy Comfort Food You’ll Love

Comfort food takes a delightful turn with this classic chili mac recipe that brings together hearty pasta and rich, spicy flavors.

Weeknight dinners welcome a one-pot wonder that combines zesty ground beef and tender macaroni in a mouthwatering blend.

The bold chili mac satisfies hungry bellies with its creamy, robust sauce and simple ingredients.

Packed with protein and incredible taste, this dish comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Cheese melts perfectly over the top, creating a golden, irresistible crust that seals in all the delicious goodness.

Families and friends will devour this comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Grab a spoon and prepare for a flavor adventure that will become your new dinner favorite.

Chili Mac Delivers the Ultimate Comfort Dish

• Quick Comfort Meal: Combines classic chili and mac and cheese into one delicious, satisfying dish that hugs your taste buds with rich, hearty flavors.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple preparation make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a complete meal without complicated cooking steps.
• Kid and Adult Approved: Packed with protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness, this recipe appeals to all ages, transforming a potentially picky dinner into a crowd-pleasing favorite.
• Flexible Ingredient Option: Easily customizable with optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños, letting everyone personalize their bowl of comfort.

What to Gather for Chili Mac Night

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the chili mac.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: These ingredients create a flavor foundation that adds depth and complexity to the dish.

• Kidney Beans: Adds protein, texture, and authentic chili character to the recipe.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide a tangy base and moisture for the chili mac.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the overall savory profile and helps create a rich cooking liquid.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that deliver classic chili flavor and balanced seasoning.

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that gives the dish its signature mac and cheese inspiration.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, cheesy finish that binds all ingredients together.

Steps for Creamy, Cheesy Chili Mac at Home

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, letting it develop a rich, golden color.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish lean and flavorful.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatics

Toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic.

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance, creating a mouth-watering base for the chili mac.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Kidney beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing all the spices to meld together and create a rich, robust sauce.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Add elbow macaroni to the pot and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Let the pasta cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Watch for the pasta to become tender and absorb the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Create Creamy Finish

Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy texture that coats every bite.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the chili mac while it’s piping hot.

For an extra touch, top with additional cheese or fresh herbs to add a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for the Best Chili Mac Every Time

• Remove excess fat from ground beef completely to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more robust flavor.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin according to your heat preference, starting with less and adding gradually for perfect seasoning.
• Let the hot chili mac rest for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to create a smoother, more even melted texture.
• Stir macaroni frequently while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of the recipe.

Flavor Boosts for Your Chili Mac Dinner

• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free version. Add extra spices to enhance flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice. Use gluten-free beef broth and check seasoning labels.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and include a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Top with fresh cilantro.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute macaroni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce beans and use less pasta to lower carbohydrate content.

Fun Ways to Present Chili Mac at the Table

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Spread chili mac on a large serving board with extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, green onions, and sour cream for guests to customize their portions.
• Comfort Food Bowl: Serve in deep ceramic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a cozy, hearty meal that warms from inside out.
• Game Night Delight: Pair with crispy tortilla chips on the side, allowing people to scoop or mix in extra crunch for a fun, interactive dining experience.
• Family-Style Feast: Transfer to a large communal dish, letting everyone help themselves with serving spoons, creating a relaxed and inviting mealtime atmosphere.

Chili Mac Storage for Busy Families

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chili mac to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot throughout.
• Pour chili mac into skillet, add small amount of broth or water. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor and dietary preference.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild spice level from chili powder and cumin. You can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or including diced jalapeños for extra kick.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based meat, add extra beans or meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or corn to increase the nutritional value. You can also use whole wheat macaroni for added fiber.

Easy Chili Mac Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting chili mac blends hearty pasta with spicy ground beef for a quick weeknight dinner sensation. Cheesy, zesty flavors merge in one skillet, promising a satisfying meal that will keep you coming back for seconds.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a spacious pot over medium heat until thoroughly browned, then eliminate excess grease.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onion, vibrant bell pepper, and minced garlic, cooking until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Pour in kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, robust tomato sauce, savory beef broth, and aromatic spices like chili powder and cumin. Season with salt and pepper, then elevate heat to create a bubbling mixture.
4. Gently introduce elbow macaroni into the simmering liquid, reducing temperature to low. Allow pasta to cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Once macaroni reaches perfect tenderness, remove pot from heat and fold in sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted, creating a luxuriously creamy texture.
6. Transfer the steaming chili mac to serving bowls, optionally adorning with additional cheese sprinkles or freshly chopped herbs for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños for extra spice kick.
• Choose lean ground beef or swap with ground turkey for a healthier protein option.
• Boost nutrition by mixing in additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach during sautéing stage.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free macaroni and checking broth ingredients carefully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 463 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg