The Best Chili Mac Recipe

The Best Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food mashup — saucy, savory homemade chili meets the creamy glory of mac and cheese. This hearty, crowd-pleasing dish brings together the best of two worlds in one bubbling, cheesy casserole, perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or cozy game day spread. Each bite delivers big flavors, a bit of nostalgia, and plenty of warm, gooey goodness that always disappears fast whenever it hits the table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is where the magic of The Best Chili Mac really begins. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s adding richness, kick, or classic comfort food vibes. Don’t be intimidated by the list — everything is straightforward and easy to find, making every step worthwhile for this cozy, craveable dish.

• Ground Beef (1 lb, 80% lean): Gives the chili heartiness and depth, with just enough fat for flavor.
• Small Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and an aromatic backbone to the chili.
• Bell Pepper (½ cup, diced): Offers color and a gentle, pleasant bite to balance the richness.
• Garlic (3 cloves, diced): Infuses the chili with mouthwatering, savory warmth.
• Chili Seasoning Mix (1.25 oz packet): Brings smoky, spicy complexity — you can use homemade if you’d like!
• Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce (8 oz): Creates a silky, vibrant chili base.
• Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can, undrained): Adds chunky texture and fresh tomato flavor.
• Chicken Broth (½ cup): Keeps things saucy while amping up savory notes (beef broth also works!).
• Kidney Beans (15 oz can, drained): Classic chili addition for heartiness; black beans also work.
• Macaroni (2 cups, uncooked): The pasta canvas for all that cheesy sauce and chili goodness.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): Starts off your cheese sauce with a creamy foundation.
• Flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the cheese sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Heavy Cream (½ cup): Lends ultra-creamy richness to the mac and cheese.
• Milk (1 cup): Balances out the cream for a classic, velvety sauce.
• Mustard Powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle tang that sharpens the cheese flavor.
• Onion Powder (¼ teaspoon): Boosts savory notes in the sauce.
• Salt & Pepper (¼ teaspoon each): Enhances every other flavor in the dish.
• Hot Sauce (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the cheesy sauce with a gentle kick (optional, but recommended!).
• Cheddar Cheese (3 cups, shredded, divided): Melty, sharp, and gloriously gooey — use freshly shredded for best results.
• Fresh Parsley (to garnish): Adds a final pop of freshness and color just before serving.

How to Make The Best Chili Mac

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high and add your ground beef. Crumble and cook it for a couple of minutes, then toss in diced onion. As the beef browns and the onions soften, marvelous smells will fill your kitchen — this is where the deep, hearty flavor of The Best Chili Mac begins. Drain any excess grease to keep your chili from getting too heavy.

Step 2: Build the Chili Base

Next, add the bell pepper and garlic. Stir and let them soften for a few minutes, unlocking layers of flavor. Now sprinkle in that chili seasoning and dollop in the tomato paste; cook it for a minute to wake up all the spices and intensify the tomato notes. Pour in tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, then stir to combine. Let this concoction simmer gently — partially covered — to thicken and concentrate, embracing that classic chili texture. Stir in the drained kidney beans toward the end, so they stay perfectly intact.

Step 3: Make the Mac and Cheese

While your chili bubbles away, preheat the oven to 400°F and bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the macaroni. Cook macaroni just until al dente (you want a little bite, since it’ll cook more in the oven). Meanwhile, melt butter in a Dutch oven or large pot, then whisk in flour and keep stirring for a minute or two — this is your thickening roux. Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk, letting the sauce simmer until silky. Season with mustard powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce for that flavor-power punch. Reduce heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar until luxuriously smooth and gooey.

Step 4: Combine the Chili and Macaroni

Gently fold your drained macaroni into that lush cheese sauce, making sure every noodle gets coated. Then, pour in the simmered chili and fold together with a spatula. The ratio is up to you — more mac or more chili, whichever makes your heart happiest. If you made extra chili, you can always freeze it for another day!

Step 5: Bake with Cheesy Topping

Now, pile the mixture into a baking dish (or leave it in your Dutch oven, if oven-safe) and blanket the top with even more shredded cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and gets bubbly on top. Finish with a scatter of fresh parsley, and The Best Chili Mac is ready to hit the table!

How to Serve The Best Chili Mac

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a burst of freshness to each serving. For extra fun, let everyone top their bowls with a drizzle of hot sauce, a scoop of sour cream, or even a handful of sliced green onions. A little cracked black pepper or extra cheddar is always welcome, too!

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but The Best Chili Mac really loves simple sides. Cornbread is an unbeatable classic — sweet, crumbly, and perfect for mopping up that saucy chili. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables will round out the meal and add just the right bit of brightness on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

To turn things up at a potluck or game day, scoop The Best Chili Mac into individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for adorable personal servings. Or, serve it as part of a build-your-own chili mac bar, letting everyone add their own toppings. If you want it extra cheesy, pop it under the broiler for a minute to get that irresistible golden crust on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover The Best Chili Mac keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to keep everything fresh and flavorful. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it an even heartier lunch the next day!

Freezing

This is a fantastic freezer meal. Portion cooled chili mac into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When ready to serve again, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as needed. For best texture, avoid overcooking the macaroni before freezing so it stays pleasantly firm when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to keep everything creamy, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If reheating a larger amount in the oven, cover with foil and bake until heated through, then uncover to melt or brown the cheese topping, if desired.

FAQs

Can I make The Best Chili Mac ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the chili portion 1–2 days ahead and refrigerate it, then just prep the mac and cheese fresh before combining and baking. You can also assemble the whole dish (minus the cheese topping), refrigerate overnight, and finish off with cheese and a quick bake when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of bean?

Of course! Kidney beans are classic, but black beans, pinto beans, or even no beans work well. Feel free to use your favorite or whatever you have on hand; the dish is flexible and forgiving.

Is there a good vegetarian version?

Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and add more beans or lentils. You can enhance the flavor with a dash of smoked paprika, extra veggies, or a chopped meatless sausage for that umami “chili” taste.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding my own?

You can, but for The Best Chili Mac, I wholeheartedly recommend shredding your own. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and has a richer flavor since it doesn’t include anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded bags.

How spicy is this recipe?

As written, The Best Chili Mac is flavorful but mild, making it family-friendly. Feel free to adjust the heat to your liking with more hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or a spicier chili seasoning if you want to turn up the fire!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting, cheesy, and just plain fun, you can’t go wrong with The Best Chili Mac. There’s a reason it wins over everyone who tries it — every forkful is loaded with hearty chili, creamy mac, and all the right cozy vibes. I hope you’ll give it a try (and let it become a favorite at your table, too)!

Print