Chili Mac Recipe

If there’s one dish that turns any ordinary night into an instant celebration, it has to be Chili Mac. This magical marriage of bold, meaty chili and ultra-creamy macaroni and cheese is pure comfort in a bowl—perfect for cozy family dinners, game day feasts, or a busy weeknight when you need something warming and wildly delicious on the table fast. With just the right amount of heat, creamy cheese, and hearty beans, every bite is deeply satisfying and sure to win over kids, adults, and everyone in between.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chili Mac recipe is just how cleverly simple the ingredient list is—each component brings bold flavor, fun texture, or irresistible richness to the dish. These pantry staples come together to create a meal that tastes like it simmered all day!

• Elbow macaroni pasta: The ultimate vehicle for soaking up all that delicious chili and cheese, these short noodles cook quickly and hold their shape beautifully.
• Lean ground beef: Adds hearty, beefy flavor without overwhelming the mac and cheese base—try to get an 85/15 blend for just the right amount of richness.
• Yellow onion: Diced onion melts into the sauce, providing a subtle sweetness and aromatic backbone for the chili.
• Garlic cloves: A couple of minced cloves infuse the whole pot with savory depth—don’t skip!
• Chili powder: The star spice blend that brings a classic, earthy chili flavor and gorgeous color.
• Ground cumin: Warm and toasty, cumin is the secret to giving this dish that authentic chili personality.
• Cayenne (optional): For a little kick, add a dash; if you’re serving spice fans, you’re golden.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a gentle smokiness that mimics hours on the campfire, while adding vibrant color.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning all the components and balancing the richness of the cheese and beef.
• Crushed tomatoes: Use the whole can—juice and all—for a thick, tangy base that coats every macaroni bite.
• Tomato sauce: Smooths out the texture of the sauce and amps up that classic chili flavor.
• Tomato paste: Adds extra richness and a serious punch of umami.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a tablespoon brings a savory depth that quietly lifts the whole dish.
• Beef broth: Keeps everything saucy and flavorful—boxed broth or homemade both work well here.
• Hot sauce: Stir in a little for background heat or let everyone customize their own bowls at the end.
• Kidney beans: These hearty beans add protein and a satisfying chewy bite—rinse and drain them well for best texture.
• Shredded cheese: Melty, gooey cheese is the crowning glory; cheddar, colby-jack, or a blend are all fabulous choices.

How to Make Chili Mac

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your macaroni according to package instructions until perfectly al dente. This is the foundation of your Chili Mac, so don’t overcook—just firm enough to soak up the chili later without turning to mush. Drain the noodles and set them aside; they’ll wait patiently while you work up the chili magic.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat and toss in your ground beef. Cook until it’s mostly browned, breaking up the meat as you go—no need to worry about a little pink at this point, as it’ll finish cooking with the other ingredients soon.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add diced onion straight into the pan with the beef, stirring gently until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic for about a minute—just until fragrant—setting the stage for layers of flavor throughout your Chili Mac.

Step 4: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in your chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, optional cayenne, and a good pinch of salt. Give everything a thorough stir; you’ll smell the spices blooming instantly, and that’s your sign you’re building delicious, chili-style depth to your sauce.

Step 5: Pour in the Tomatoes and Beans

It’s time for the saucy goodness! Add the crushed tomatoes (with all the juices), tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, hot sauce, and kidney beans. Stir to combine, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom, then bring everything to a gentle boil.

Step 6: Simmer Until Rich and Thick

Reduce the heat to low and let your chili simmer away uncovered for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally—you’ll notice the sauce thickening, the flavors mingling, and your kitchen smelling incredible. This is when your Chili Mac transforms into pure comfort food bliss.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once your chili has thickened, gently fold in the cooked macaroni noodles. Mix until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated in chili, adding a touch of salt and pepper to taste if you need a little extra seasoning.

Step 8: Melt on the Cheese

Sprinkle your shredded cheese generously across the top of the hot Chili Mac. Place a lid on the pot to let the cheese melt, or pop the whole dish under the broiler for two to three minutes until it bubbles and browns. Dig in while it’s gloriously gooey and steamy!

How to Serve Chili Mac

Garnishes

The right toppings can take your Chili Mac from weeknight staple to show-stopping centerpiece. Try extra shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, fresh diced tomatoes, chopped scallions, a dollop of sour cream, or crunchy crushed tortilla chips. Everyone can build their perfect bowl!

Side Dishes

Chili Mac is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you’re serving a crowd or want extra flair, it’s fabulous with buttery cornbread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. For game day, a platter of guacamole, tortilla chips, and tangy pickles on the side completes the spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to really wow your guests? Serve Chili Mac in individual ramekins or oven-proof bowls and finish under the broiler for a bubbly, golden top. Or, ladle into a bread bowl for a rustic twist—kids and adults will both swoon over this cheesy, hearty surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Chili Mac cool, then transfer into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen, making your next meal even better!

Freezing

Planning ahead? This dish freezes like a dream. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and you may need to add a splash of broth as it will thicken in the freezer.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your Chili Mac gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a bit of beef broth or water to help loosen it up if needed. You can also use the microwave—just be sure to cover your bowl and stir halfway through to ensure even heating and maximally melty cheese.

FAQs

Can I make Chili Mac vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute, extra beans, or even lentils. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth, and your Chili Mac will still be hearty, filling, and packed with flavor.

Is Chili Mac spicy?

The heat level is totally up to you. The recipe offers optional cayenne and hot sauce for a kick, but you can easily leave these out or serve hot sauce on the side so everyone can adjust their bowl to taste.

What’s the best cheese for Chili Mac?

Cheddar is traditional, but Colby-Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all melt beautifully and add lots of creamy goodness. Feel free to use your favorite or a mix for extra flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is classic and does a great job of holding onto the sauce, small shells, penne, or rotini all work well if that’s what you have on hand. Just aim for pasta that has lots of nooks and crannies for the sauce to cling to.

How can I make this Chili Mac gluten-free?

Easy—simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can dig in worry-free!

Final Thoughts

This Chili Mac is the kind of soul-warming, joy-bringing comfort food that brings everyone running to the table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a chilly night or need an easy, crowd-pleasing dish for a party, you truly can’t go wrong. Give it a try this week, and let it become your new dinner favorite!

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