Chili Mac Recipe

Chili Mac is the ultimate one-pot comfort food — think nostalgic mac and cheese combined with bold, savory chili. Tender macaroni noodles swim in a creamy cheese sauce, swirled with hearty, spicy beef chili and topped with a gooey, golden layer of melted cheddar. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing, soul-warming dish everyone begs you to bring to potlucks or pulls up a chair for on cozy weeknights.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chili Mac is chosen for flavor and texture — there’s nothing fancy or fussy here, just pure comfort. Each component adds its own magic, from the meaty chili base to the creamy cheese sauce and the tender pasta that brings it all together.

• Ground beef (80% lean): The classic chili backbone — hearty, juicy, and flavorful. Feel free to swap for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
• Onion & Bell Pepper: These veggies add a subtle sweetness and help build the chili’s savory depth.
• Garlic: A generous trio of cloves for robust, aromatic flavor.
• Chili Seasoning Mix: Use your favorite packet, or stir up your own smoky-spicy homemade blend for an extra-special touch.
• Tomato Paste & Tomato Sauce: The duo that gives the chili base its rich color and tangy-sweet backbone.
• Diced Tomatoes: Use them undrained for extra juiciness and texture throughout the chili.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses the chili with savory warmth; beef broth also works well for deeper flavor.
• Kidney Beans: Traditional, protein-packed, and hearty. Swap in black beans if you’re craving a twist!
• Macaroni: Short, sturdy shapes like elbow pasta are perfect for soaking up all that creamy, saucy goodness.
• Butter & Flour: This dynamic duo creates a smooth, silky roux for your cheese sauce.
• Heavy Cream & Milk: The secret to luscious, ultra-creamy mac and cheese.
• Mustard Powder, Onion Powder, Salt & Pepper: These pantry spices wake up the flavors in the cheese sauce without overpowering it.
• Hot Sauce: Don’t skip it! It’s just enough to boost the cheese, not make it spicy.
• Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Sharp cheddar melts beautifully — use freshly shredded for the best result. Monterey jack is a tasty addition, too.
• Fresh Parsley: A vibrant, herbal garnish that makes the finished bake extra inviting.

Variations

The real beauty of Chili Mac is how flexible it is! Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, craving extra spice, or need to accommodate dietary needs, there’s endless room to riff and make it your own.

• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms, and use veggie broth for a meatless twist that’s still rich and hearty.
• Spicy Tex-Mex Version: Add a diced jalapeño to the veggies, mix in a can of drained corn, and use pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
• One-Pot Stovetop Method: Skip the baking step by letting everything simmer together in one pot — melt the cheese on top with a quick broil if you like!
• Kid-Friendly Mac: Leave out the hot sauce and chili powder for extra-mild flavor, or sneak in extra veggies like shredded carrots or zucchini.

How to Make Chili Mac

Step 1: Sauté Beef & Veggies

Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. After a couple of minutes, toss in the diced onion and let it soften alongside the beef. Once the beef is cooked through and the onions are tender, drain off any excess grease — you want a flavorful base, not an oily one!

Step 2: Build the Chili

Add the diced bell pepper and garlic to the pot, stirring until the peppers soften and the mixture smells deliciously fragrant. Sprinkle in your chili seasoning and tomato paste, letting them toast gently for a minute to wake up all those spices. Pour in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring everything to a simmer — the chili will thicken and deepen in flavor as it bubbles away, giving you time to work on the mac and cheese. Stir in the kidney beans during the last 10 minutes, just to heat them through.

Step 3: Make the Mac and Cheese

While the chili simmers, cook your macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente — you want it tender, but still able to hold its shape. In a Dutch oven or large pot, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Add the heavy cream and milk bit by bit, stirring constantly until your sauce is thick and velvety. Season with mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a little hot sauce to perk up the cheese. Turn the heat low and stir in the shredded cheddar by the handful, letting it melt into a glossy, creamy sauce. Finally, fold in the just-cooked macaroni until every noodle is thoroughly coated.

Step 4: Combine Chili & Macaroni

It’s time for magic: pour the simmered chili into your cheesy macaroni and gently stir to combine — use all or part of the chili, depending on your ideal chili-to-mac ratio! The pasta will absorb some sauce (hello, flavor), making the dish beautifully creamy and hearty.

Step 5: Bake with Cheese

Spread the combined mixture in your dutch oven or a casserole dish, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, and bake uncovered at 400°F for about 5 minutes — just long enough for that gooey golden cheese lid to form. Scatter over fresh parsley and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Chili Mac

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley offers a bright contrast — but Chili Mac also loves classic chili toppings! Try a dollop of sour cream, a tangle of sliced scallions, or a few pickled jalapeños for zing and color. Crushed tortilla chips or even a handful of corn chips on top add irresistible crunch.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats a slice of buttery cornbread served warm with this dish! If you want more freshness, a simple crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of Chili Mac. Steamed broccoli, roasted cauliflower, or sautéed greens also make great accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner, serve Chili Mac in wide, shallow bowls so everyone can customize with their favorite toppings. Scooping the mixture into oven-safe ramekins for individual portions makes a dinner party feel special. Or, chill leftovers and pack them for lunch — they reheat like a dream and are sure to make your coworkers jealous!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chili Mac keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making next-day servings extra delicious. When storing, let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring to your container.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly! Portion Chili Mac into airtight containers, let cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, try not to overcook the pasta before freezing so it doesn’t become mushy once reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm individual servings in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. If reheating a large portion in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until piping hot, then uncover for a few minutes to melt any extra cheese added on top.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This crowd-pleasing Chili Mac is exactly the kind of cozy, flavor-packed comfort food everyone needs in their back pocket. It’s easy to make, wildly customizable, and guarantees happy faces at the table every single time. Give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with the kind of delicious smells and laughter that make lasting memories!

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