Chili Mac Recipe

Chili Mac is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the bold flavors of chili with the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. This one-pot meal is packed with tender ground meat, beans, tomatoes, spices, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with melted cheese for a warm, satisfying finish. A true comfort food classic, Chili Mac is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you want a filling, flavorful meal that hits all the right notes. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and loved by both kids and adults alike.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food. The combination of rich, spicy chili with creamy macaroni creates a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s easy to customize with your favorite proteins, beans, or cheeses, and it comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner. The layers of flavor—from the smoky chili spices to the melted cheese on top—make every bite irresistible and cozy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Chili Mac is a must-try because it’s the perfect blend of two classic dishes—chili and macaroni and cheese—into one delicious, easy-to-make meal. Its hearty, filling nature makes it ideal for feeding a crowd or for meal prep. The flavors are rich and comforting, and the versatility of this recipe means you can adapt it to suit your tastes, whether you like it spicy, cheesy, meaty, or vegetarian.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories per Serving: ~450–500 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Chili:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta and Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chili:

• In a large skillet or pot, heat a little oil over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
• Drain excess fat if needed.
• Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 10–12 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

3. Combine Pasta and Chili:

• Reduce heat to low and add cooked pasta to the chili. Mix well.

4. Add Cheese Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat, then stir in milk and shredded cheese until smooth.
• Pour cheese sauce over chili and pasta mixture, stirring until evenly coated.

5. Optional Baking Step:

• Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes for a bubbly, golden topping.

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How to Serve

• Serve hot, straight from the skillet or baking dish.
• Garnish with sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.
• Pair with a side of cornbread, salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest texture.
• Adjust chili powder and cayenne to control spiciness.
• For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the cheese sauce.
• Cook pasta just slightly al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with chili.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting meat with extra beans or lentils.

Variations

1. Spicy Chili Mac: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra cayenne for heat.
2. Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace meat with extra beans, lentils, or roasted vegetables.
3. Mexican-Style Chili Mac: Add corn, black beans, and taco seasoning; top with avocado and salsa.
4. Slow Cooker Version: Cook chili in a slow cooker for 3–4 hours, then mix in pasta and cheese before serving.
5. Creamy White Chili Mac: Use white beans, chicken, and white cheddar for a milder version.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid freezing if cheese topping has been baked, as texture may change.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Small saucepan for cheese sauce
• Baking dish (optional)
• Mixing spoon or spatula

Conclusion

Chili Mac is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish that combines the best of chili and macaroni and cheese in one satisfying meal. Easy to prepare, highly customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. With tender pasta, rich chili, and creamy cheese sauce, every bite is a cozy, indulgent experience. Whether you like it spicy, cheesy, meaty, or vegetarian, Chili Mac is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food that’s quick, satisfying, and delicious.

Chili Mac Recipe

Chili Mac is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the bold flavors of chili with the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. This one-pot meal is packed with tender ground meat, beans, tomatoes, spices, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with melted cheese for a warm, satisfying finish.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Pasta

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Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 40 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6

Ingredients

Servings

For the Chili:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz)
• 1 can (15 oz)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ¹⁄₂ tsp smoked paprika
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta and Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. 1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2. Prepare the Chili: In a large skillet or pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. 3. Combine Pasta and Chili: Reduce heat to low and add cooked pasta to the chili. Mix well.
4. 4. Add Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat, then stir in milk and shredded cheese until smooth. Pour cheese sauce over chili and pasta mixture, stirring until evenly coated.
5. 5. Optional Baking Step: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes for a bubbly, golden topping.

Keywords: Chili Mac