Chili Mac Recipe

If hearty comfort food that combines the cozy zing of chili with the creamy indulgence of mac and cheese makes your heart skip a beat, then this Chili Mac is absolutely made for you! Imagine a bubbling, cheesy casserole loaded with beefy chili, tender pasta, and melty cheddar—every forkful is pure weeknight joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chili Mac is that every ingredient has a role to play—robust flavor, velvety richness, a hint of heat, or that signature cheesy stretch. Nothing fancy here, just wholesome staples coming together for pure comfort.

• Ground Beef (1 lb, 80% lean): Provides a deeply savory, rich base for your chili; use leaner beef for lighter results.
• Onion (1 small, diced): Adds sweetness and aromatic depth as it cooks with the beef.
• Bell Pepper (½ cup, diced): Brings color, crunch, and fresh flavor to balance the heartiness.
• Garlic (3 cloves, diced): Infuses every bite with a fragrant, irresistible undertone.
• Chili Seasoning Mix (1.25 oz. packet): This makes chili night easy—but you can use homemade if you have your own spice blend!
• Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the chili’s umami and thickens the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce (8 oz): Gives a smooth, rich tomato base for the chili.
• Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz can, undrained): The extra juice adds both body and tart-sweet flavor to the chili.
• Chicken Broth (½ cup): Lends savory undertones—swap with beef broth for a deeper flavor.
• Kidney Beans (15 oz can, drained): Creamy and satisfying, these are a classic in any good chili.
• Macaroni (2 cups, uncooked): Choose classic elbow macaroni or any short pasta you’ve got; it soaks up all the saucy goodness!
• Butter (2 tablespoons): It starts off the cheese sauce for extra richness.
• Flour (2 tablespoons): Helps the cheese sauce thicken to that dreamy, velvety texture.
• Heavy Cream (½ cup): For ultimate creaminess (and a little indulgence).
• Milk (1 cup): Keeps the cheese sauce nice and smooth.
• Mustard Powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts the cheese flavor, making it pop.
• Onion Powder (¼ teaspoon): Extra savoriness for your cheese sauce.
• Salt and Pepper (¼ teaspoon each): Essential seasoning for both chili and mac!
• Hot Sauce (½ teaspoon): Adds just a gentle kick—adjust for your spice preference.
• Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups for sauce + 1½ cups for topping): Pick a bold, sharp cheddar for the best flavor and melt.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional, but it brightens up the finished dish both in looks and taste.

Variations

Chili Mac is delightfully versatile—swap, tweak, or add to your heart’s content! It’s the perfect recipe for using up pantry staples or catering to everyone at the table, no matter their dietary needs or flavor cravings.

• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Skip the beef and use plant-based “ground” or extra beans, and substitute vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef.
• Spicy Southwest Twist: Stir in diced jalapeños or a splash of chipotle adobo for even bolder, smokier heat.
• Dairy-Free Mac: Use your favorite plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese—the sauce will still be luscious and creamy.
• Veggie-Packed Version: Tuck in corn, zucchini, or even spinach for a burst of color, nutrition, and garden-fresh flavor.
• Alternative Pasta Shapes: Sub fusilli, shells, rotini, or gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

How to Make Chili Mac

Step 1: Sauté the Beef, Onion & Peppers

Start by browning your ground beef in a large, sturdy pot over medium-high heat. After a few minutes, add the diced onion and continue to cook until the beef is nicely browned and the onion turns soft and translucent. Don’t forget to drain off the excess grease so your Chili Mac isn’t oily—this little step keeps things extra delicious.

Step 2: Build the Chili Flavor

Add in your bell pepper and garlic, then cook until the pepper softens and the garlic is fragrant (but not browned!). Sprinkle in the chili seasoning mix and tomato paste—let this gently cook for a minute to unlock all those deep, cozy flavors before adding the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and chicken broth. Bring everything to a lively bubble, then lower the heat and partially cover. Allow the chili to simmer gently while you make the mac and cheese. Don’t forget to stir in those kidney beans during the last 10 minutes so they’re perfectly plump and not mushy.

Step 3: Boil the Macaroni

While the chili simmers, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and add your macaroni. Cook just until al dente (the tiniest bite at the core)—remember, it’ll cook a little more in the oven and absorb more cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In your Dutch oven or a big pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and stir for a couple of minutes to make a smooth roux. Gradually add in the heavy cream, then the milk, whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then knock it down to a simmer, stir in the hot sauce, mustard powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Lower the heat, then add the shredded cheddar bit by bit, stirring until the sauce is luxurious and melt-in-your-mouth smooth.

Step 5: Combine Macaroni & Cheese Sauce

Once the cheese sauce is ready, stir in the drained macaroni. The pasta should be fully coated and super creamy. If you love it ultra-cheesy, use a smidge less pasta—the sauce will thicken up as it bakes!

Step 6: Swirl in the Chili

Add the chili to your cheesy macaroni. The ratio is up to you, so make it as saucy or chunky as you like. Gently fold everything together with a silicone spatula—watch those gorgeous swirls of saucy, beefy chili and creamy mac mingle. (You can save or freeze any extra chili for another day!)

Step 7: Bake with Cheddar Topping

Preheat your oven to 400°F if you haven’t already. Transfer the Chili Mac mixture into a baking dish (or leave it in your Dutch oven), top generously with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for around 5 minutes—just until you get that irresistible golden, gooey finish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you want a burst of green, then serve piping hot!

How to Serve Chili Mac

Garnishes

The right garnish can make your Chili Mac party-ready or just extra special for dinner at home! Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness, or try a scattering of sliced green onions, extra cheddar shreds, or even a dollop of sour cream to lean into that chili vibe.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but it absolutely shines next to a crisp green salad, cornbread muffins, or garlicky roasted broccoli. If you’re feeding a bigger crowd, set out some tortilla chips—they’re perfect for scooping up the extra cheesy, chili-soaked goodness at the bottom of your bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight fun or a game-day spread, serve Chili Mac in oven-safe ramekins for individual portions—each gets its own golden cheese “cap.” Or, ladle it into bread bowls for a truly over-the-top comfort food experience. Don’t be afraid to set out a toppings bar so everyone can make their bowl their own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chili Mac keeps wonderfully in the fridge! Scoop any extras into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, so you might find tomorrow’s lunch is somehow even better.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, Chili Mac freezes like a dream. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, let it cool completely before sealing, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just note the pasta might soften a little upon reheating, but the cheesy comfort remains!

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore that creamy, saucy consistency. If reheating in the oven, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying and bake at 350°F until hot.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I just know you’re going to fall in love with this Chili Mac—it’s the kind of no-fuss, all-flavor dinner that brings everyone to the table with big smiles. So grab your coziest bowl, pile it high, and dig in to a weeknight classic done right!

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