The Coziest Chili Mac Recipe for Cold Winter Nights

Mac and cheese meets spicy chili in this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises to shake up your dinner routine.

Hearty flavors dance across your plate with bold, unexpected seasonings.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore this one-pot wonder that combines creamy pasta with robust meat and zesty spices.

The kitchen comes alive with rich aromas that hint at a delicious adventure waiting to unfold.

Weeknight meals just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet satisfying dish.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy cheese and warm, spicy chili notes.

You’ll want to grab a fork and dive right in to experience this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Why Chili Mac Recipe Is A True Comfort Combo

• Whip Up a One-Pot Wonder: This chili mac recipe eliminates multiple dishes, making cleanup a breeze with everything cooked in a single pot, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy cooking days.
• Craft a Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love this hearty, cheesy dish that combines classic comfort food elements of mac and cheese with the bold flavors of chili, creating a crowd-pleasing meal everyone can enjoy.
• Master Quick and Easy Cooking: From start to finish, this recipe takes just about 30 minutes, delivering a satisfying meal with minimal prep work and simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: The recipe offers flexible toppings like green onions, extra cheese, or jalapenos, allowing each person to personalize their bowl and make the meal uniquely delicious.

Ingredients For Chili Mac Recipe

• Ground Beef: Rich meat that provides hearty flavor and protein for the chili mac.
• Kidney Beans: Classic bean that adds texture and extra protein to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor boosters that create a delicious base for the chili mac.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Warm spices that give depth and authentic chili flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that catches sauce and provides comforting texture.

• Tomato Sauce: Smooth base that creates rich sauce consistency.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds chunky tomato texture and bright acidity.
• Beef Broth: Provides additional depth and moisture to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy, sharp flavor.
• Green Onions, Jalapeños: Optional fresh toppings for extra garnish and heat.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor when browning beef.

How To Make Chili Mac Recipe

Step 1: Brown The Meat

Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium flame. Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces while cooking. Continue cooking until the meat turns golden brown and develops a rich color. Carefully drain any extra fat from the skillet.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté these ingredients until they become soft and release a mouthwatering fragrance, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Create A Flavor Explosion

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Beef broth

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture looks perfectly blended.

Step 4: Introduce The Pasta

Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the bubbling sauce. Stir gently to ensure pasta is coated. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta becomes tender and absorbs the delicious liquid.

Step 5: Melt The Cheese

Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until it melts completely, creating a creamy, luxurious texture.

Step 6: Serve With Excitement

• Extra cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Sliced jalapeños

Enjoy your hearty, flavor-packed meal!

Helpful Hints For Chili Mac Recipe

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess grease completely to prevent a greasy, heavy texture and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor in your chili mac.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and add cayenne pepper for extra heat, or reduce spices for a milder version that kids and sensitive palates will enjoy.
• Choose Pasta Wisely: Use whole wheat macaroni for added nutrition or gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste and texture.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency that coats every pasta bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chili mac in advance and store in the refrigerator; the flavors will intensify, making the next-day meal even more delicious and convenient.

How To Store Chili Mac Recipe Safely

• Preserve your delicious chili mac by cooling it completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal the container tightly to lock in freshness and prevent moisture from seeping in.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the pasta may become mushy when thawed.
• For best texture, consume within the recommended refrigeration time and enjoy the flavors at their peak.

What To Eat With Chili Mac Recipe

• Complement with Cool Beer: Pair this hearty chili mac with a crisp, cold lager or amber ale to balance the rich, spicy flavors and cut through the creamy cheese.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a zesty green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to add brightness and provide a light, refreshing contrast to the heavy, robust dish.
• Zesty Cornbread Companion: Whip up a side of slightly sweet, buttery cornbread to soak up the delicious chili sauce and add a traditional Southwestern touch to the meal.
• Cool Sour Cream Topping: Dollop some smooth, cool sour cream on top to temper the spice and add a creamy, cooling element that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Tasty Twists For Chili Mac Recipe

• Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken or turkey for a leaner protein. Add diced green chiles and swap regular cheddar for pepper jack cheese to amp up the heat and create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Veggie Power Bowl: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans. Mix in diced bell peppers, corn kernels, and use vegetable broth. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
• Tex-Mex Comfort Version: Incorporate taco seasoning instead of individual spices. Mix in corn kernels and use a blend of monterey jack and cheddar cheeses. Garnish with crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch and authentic southwestern flair.
• Slow Cooker Simplicity: Transfer all ingredients except pasta to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add macaroni during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a hands-off, tender one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Questions About Chili Mac Recipe Answered

• What makes this chili mac different from other recipes?

This version combines classic chili flavors with creamy pasta in one-pot, creating a hearty meal that’s super easy to prepare. It uses a blend of spices like chili powder and smoked paprika to give extra depth of flavor.

• Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing chili powder. For more kick, add sliced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce. For milder taste, reduce spices or omit them completely.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! Chili mac reheats wonderfully and tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. It’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week for quick, satisfying meals.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Sure! While elbow macaroni works best, you can substitute with other short pasta like shells or rotini. Just keep cooking time similar to ensure pasta gets tender in the sauce.

Chili Mac Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets excitement in this hearty chili mac, blending spicy southwestern flavors with creamy pasta perfection. Cheesy, meaty, and boldly seasoned, you’ll savor each satisfying bite of this crowd-pleasing one-pot wonder that brings warmth to any dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional: green onions or jalapenos for topping

Pantry and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ cups beef broth (or water)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear the ground beef in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly bits until perfectly browned and caramelized.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the aromatics release their fragrant essence and become translucent.
3. Pour in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth, creating a robust foundation with a symphony of spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and cracked black pepper.
4. Introduce uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the simmering liquid, allowing it to absorb the rich, spicy flavors while gently cooking until pasta reaches an al dente texture.
5. Remove the pot from heat and fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into a luxurious, creamy coating that envelops the entire dish.
6. Garnish with optional toppings like sliced green onions, additional cheese, or fiery jalapeño slices to elevate the visual and flavor profile of this hearty one-pot meal.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• Drain the meat thoroughly after browning to prevent a greasy final result.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder and adding fresh chopped jalapeños.
• Make it vegetarian by swapping ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans like black beans or pinto beans.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free macaroni or replace pasta with cauliflower rice.
• Enhance the flavor by using smoked cheddar cheese instead of regular cheddar for a deeper smoky taste.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall cooking time.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg