Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food mash-up: hearty homemade chili meets creamy, cheesy macaroni all cooked in one pot. It’s cozy, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender pasta absorbs all the rich chili flavor, and the melted cheese ties everything together into a warm, creamy bowl of pure comfort. This recipe is incredibly easy, beginner-friendly, and guaranteed to become a family favorite, especially on chilly evenings when all you want is a big comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• One-pot meal = minimal cleanup. Everything cooks in the same pot, so you get deep flavor without a sink full of dishes.
• Rich chili flavor + creamy mac and cheese texture. The best of both worlds: bold spices, tender beef, soft beans, and gooey cheese.
• Kid-friendly and adult-approved. Mild enough for kids but full of flavor for adults; you can spice it up as much as you like.
• Budget-friendly pantry ingredients. Uses ground beef, canned beans, canned tomatoes, broth, and elbow macaroni, super affordable and easy to find.
• Perfect for meal prep. Chili Mac reheats beautifully and stays creamy, making it great for lunches or leftovers.
• Customizable. You can change the meat, add veggies, adjust the spice level, or make it extra cheesy depending on what you like.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional but recommended)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparation Steps
STEP 1: Brown the Beef
Cook ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
STEP 2: Add Aromatics
Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes or until softened.
STEP 3: Add Spices
Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toast spices for 30 seconds for deeper flavor.
STEP 4: Add Tomatoes, Beans & Broth
Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir well.
STEP 5: Add Pasta
Add the dry elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Stir and bring to a simmer.
STEP 6: Simmer
Cover and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
STEP 7: Make It Cheesy
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese and milk or cream until the mixture becomes creamy, smooth, and cheesy.
STEP 8: Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or extra cheese.
Variations
• Turkey Chili Mac: Swap ground beef for ground turkey to make it lighter but still flavorful.
• Spicy Chili Mac: Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper.
• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace beef with plant-based meat or add extra beans like black beans or pinto beans.
• Extra Cheesy: Add Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra creaminess and a subtle spicy kick.
• Veggie-Loaded Version: Fold in corn, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach during cooking.
• White Chili Mac: Swap red spices for cumin + green chilies + white beans + Monterey Jack cheese.
Cooking Notes
• Pasta absorbs liquid quickly; add extra broth if needed during cooking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt, pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents.
• If you want a thicker texture, simmer uncovered for 5 minutes after the pasta cooks.
• For a creamier finish, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese at the end.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with cornbread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.
• Add toppings: sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, tortilla strips, or extra cheese.
• Make it a full meal by serving with roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli.
• For a game-day spread, serve Chili Mac with nachos, queso, or soft dinner rolls.
Tips for Best Results
• Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
• Don’t overcook the pasta, it continues to soften as it sits.
• Taste and adjust spices at the end; adding a little extra salt or chili powder brightens all the flavors.
• If storing leftovers, add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 480 calories – 27g protein – 18g fat – 49g carbs
FAQs
Can I make Chili Mac ahead of time?
- Yes! Chili Mac stores well and reheats beautifully. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating for the creamiest texture.
Can I freeze Chili Mac?
- Yes, but the pasta becomes softer after thawing. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly with added broth or cream.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
- Absolutely. Small shapes like shells, rotini, or small penne work well because they cook evenly and hold the creamy sauce.
Can I make it spicier?
- Add jalapeños, chili flakes, chipotle peppers in adobo, or use pepper jack cheese.
Can I use leftover chili?
- Yes! Stir in 3–4 cups of leftover chili, add broth and pasta, and cook until the pasta is tender.
Conclusion
This Chili Mac is warm, creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor, everything you want in an easy one-pot dinner. It’s budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable for every taste and occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or craving something cozy, this recipe delivers every time.